ElliotS

Thank again to everyone who previously responded to this. It is almost certain I will go with a renovation project and build up that way, I have found a suitable property but there is work that needs to be done as well. Its only small and will need an extension of some sort adding to it to make it suitable. Has anyone got any experience with SIP extensions or are timber frame extensions a thing? inexperience really showing here, sorry guys.

I have just had a read through that thread and it appears very frustrating, the HMRC will give any excuse to fight their corner. Regarding VAT return, is this only on materials outside of the timber framed house itself or is this a part of it? Please tell me if I'm completely wrong but hypothetically speaking, if I purchased a TF house or SIP house for 110k from Potton for example, Would I be eligible to claim the VAT back on the full unit or just materials that we purchase separate like plasterboard, windows etc? Sorry if that is a really rookie question, my knowledge is limited on this subject.

I can view it now, I will take a look through it.

I have requested information on any pre-existing services but not had a response as of yet.

Thank you for the link but it says I don't have access to the folder? Is there a time constraint to build the house or is it a restriction on time after materials are purchased to reclaim VAT? I thought I saw it was 3 months after completed build?

That is something I will certainly look at doing. Is there not a grey area for requesting information on property that isn't yours?

I hadn't considered this as an option and I wouldn't write it off either. The luxury me and my partner have is that we both still live at home without any costs other than personal things. Do you think it could be worth purchasing the land and extending the build out over perhaps a 2 year period to spread the cost, do a little bit at a time? this way it would allow for earning to be dedicated to certain parts of the build maybe? We wouldn't be borrowing money from friends or family.

Thank you for sharing your interesting experience, I guess I was being a little naïve at the service cost. Is it a big job for them to do or is it a just another way for them to get bags of money easily? also, how long does it take for services to be connected?

I think you are right. Nevertheless, until all avenues are blocked, I am going to be optimistic and try to achieve my goal. I am really organised with all things cash, I'll never put myself in a situation I can't come out of better off, I don't care if it takes me years before the time is right. I appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion, it helps a lot.

If only land was 20k now! I am very lucky in that I have more than I can mortgage in available funds from other sources, its one thing less to worry about. I want to avoid doing this as I'd like to do it the 'proper' way without relying on anything else, its just an offer that has been put forward to me. I just really like the idea of designing and building a home that isn't using standard brick and block. Thank you, I feel luck is very much what I need haha.

The land that is for sale as part of someone's garden has full planning permission for a 3 bed bungalow that looked a good size but the land cost listed at 85K would cut our budget for the house build itself. You make an interesting point about the contractual agreement, the problem is that the land would have to be cheap enough to leave enough funds for the build. all very confusing for someone starting out, but I love the learning side. I previously put an offer in on a small bungalow which sat on about 0.4 acre of land but it needed pretty much stripping back and re-doing, the entire back garden needed doing and overall it needed a lot of money throwing at it. The owners had inherited it recently from their parents but would only accept a price that fully modern versions of the same house we going for in the street. It's already been to auction twice without success because they won't move on the price. Maybe building should be put on the back burner for a few years until I have a higher budget. I just can't get the idea out of my head!!

Thank you for your prompt reply. I had considered service costs but I aren't sure what they would be as the land is actually the back of somebody's garden, not sure if this would make a difference? we have looked at purchasing multiple houses that need renovating but we are struggling to find something we like to renovate. The idea is to build and live in it for as long as possible but I'm not sure if its jumping in a little too deep.

Hi all, New member joining the forum but have kept a close eye on and off for the past few months, a lot of great knowledge from people here so I am pleased to be a part of it. I am 21 and about as ambitious as they come. As the title suggests, I am a first time buyer/builder. I would love to build my first house with my partner. however, as for most people, budget is a constraint and so is getting a mortgage. Although, I am very close friends with a mortgage broker and he thinks I will be just fine securing one. I know that self-build mortgages are different than usual and I am currently in contact with a self build mortgage advisor who is great and keen to help me. I have a total budget of about 150k to 160k including land. Land in my area (North Staffordshire) is not cheap nor openly available, but I am considering posting a few letters to local farmers with fields and neighbours with big gardens. I am aware of the different types of land i.e agricultural but I'm not sure if this can be converted to residential? There is a piece that is available that has got planning permission for a 3 bedroom bungalow but its listed at 85K! I want to know if I am aiming too high or if it would be possible to do with suggested building methods from you guys. I have been in contact with Potton and few others, I am aware there is a slight difference between SIP's and timber frame so I apologise if this is in the wrong thread. Within my family and very close family friends we have joiners, plumbers, electricians and just about all other trades you can think of. I have access to diggers, dumper trucks etc free of charge. We would be happy with a 2 or 3 bedroom bungalow, but we do like the idea of open plan living and kitchen space. I would welcome any suggestions for all types of houses if you think one would be more cost effective than another. My partner is a mobile hairdresser too so a small hair/utility room for her to work in would be ideal. I look forward to your replies and thank you in advance for your replies. sorry if I have been vague about anything and I appreciate this is a challenging ask, I'd appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks again Elliot