What is self-build and custom-build
Self-build housing usually means that you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your new home.
Custom-build usually means working with a specialist developer to help you construct your home.
There may be some overlap between the two. For example, some custom-build developers offer the option of a serviced plot where you can design and build your own home as part of a larger scheme.
The self-build and custom-build register
The government wants more people to be able to build or commission their own homes. To help achieve this, the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, together with associated regulations, requires authorities to keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who are looking to buy serviced plots of land in an authority's area.
The Bracknell Forest register will be used to:
- help assess the demand for self or custom build in the borough
- develop policies to help support this initiative
Eligibility to register
The regulations state that you can apply to be added to the register as an individual or an association (a group of people wanting to build homes together) if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- are a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
- are looking (either alone or with others) to buy a serviced plot of land in the borough to build a house to occupy as your sole or main residence
Register an interest
Before you register, check that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Individuals
If you would like to register an interest in self-build or custom housebuilding, fill in our online form.
Registration form for individuals
Housing associations
If you would like to register an interest in self-build or custom housebuilding, download and fill in the document below. Once completed, send a copy to self.build@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
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Document
Registration form for associations
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Information held on the register
The information you provide will help us decide if there is a demand locally. This will help us to develop specific planning policies for the provision of self-build or custom housebuilding plots.
If you register, you are making no commitment at this stage.
In preparing this register, we are making no commitment to provide plots for self-build or custom housebuilding.
The register will not be a public document but we must summarise data from it annually, without identifying any individuals or releasing any personal information.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption
Developments seeking to qualify for the CIL self-build exemption must follow the process outlined with in the regulations. The process is as follows:
- Assume liability - the applicant must assume liability for the CIL in respect of the development. This is done by submitting an Assumption of Liability form (PDF, 0.4MB) to the council.
- Apply for the self-build exemption - the applicant must then certify that the proposed development meets the criteria for a self-build scheme through the submission of a Self-Build Exemption Claim form (part 1) (PDF, 1.15MB).
- Submit a Commencement Notice - a valid Commencement Notice (PDF, 0.3MB) must be received by the council before development begins. Failure to do so will result in the loss of exemption and additional surcharges.
- Submit occupation evidence - when the dwelling is complete, the applicant must submit the Self-Build Exemption Part 2 form (PDF, 0.3MB) and the supporting evidence. This must be done within 6 months of the date of the compliance certificate.
- Occupy the dwelling - the self-builder must occupy the completed dwelling as their sole or main residence for a minimum period of 3 years in order to keep the exemption.
If the dwelling is sold or let within 3 years of completion, the council is required to take back the CIL liability in full. This means the owner will become liable for the entire CIL charge applicable to the dwelling. As CIL is a local land charge, this liability will be disclosed in any property search undertaken by a prospective purchaser.
Compliance with the 3‑year occupancy requirement will be monitored through Council Tax and electoral roll records.