Category: Self Build
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Budget tax fears threaten Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge
Builders are hitting pause ahead of the November Budget, concerned that taxes could raise the cost of building homes and create broader uncertainty in the property market. A Knight Frank survey found 43% of developers expect housing starts to fall in the final quarter of 2025, reflecting widespread caution across the sector. Former Housing Minister…
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What is a Bill of Quantities and when do you need one?
One of the most common questions homeowners have when they want to carry out a self-build, renovation or extension is how to correctly estimate the project and keep costs down. In my opinion, it’s now more important than ever to get a firm grip on your building budget from the start, since the costs of…
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Self-build opportunity with planning in Kent AONB
For anyone seeking a self-build project in a protected countryside setting, this rare Kent plot, listed on Plotfinder, offers an exceptional chance to create a bespoke home within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated near the village of Goudhurst, the site extends to approximately 6.1 acres and benefits from full planning permission for an…
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6 principles for designing with neurodiversity in mind
“Mum it’s too noisy. Mum it’s too bright. Mum I didn’t want that colour. Mum it’s itchy. Mum I can’t find it.” These are all daily refrains that have peppered my home life for as long as I can remember. Once I knew the cause, understanding the complaints and preventing them became far easier. But…
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Can prefabricated homes solve the UK housing crisis?
The UK is facing a housing crisis, with a government target to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Traditional construction is struggling to keep up due to rising material costs, labour shortages, and slow planning approvals. Prefabricated homes are being promoted as a potential solution. Advocates argue they can build homes faster, with higher quality…
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Kevin McCloud’s emotional response after hearing of the Grand Designs Lighthouse sale
After more than a decade of setbacks and personal heartbreak, Chesil Cliff House in North Devon has finally been sold. Featured in one of Grand Designs’ most emotional episodes, the property captivated viewers with its ambitious design and the toll it took on its owner, Edward Short. Homebuilding & Renovating first broke the news of…
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Why you can’t afford to miss the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025
For over 30 years, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show has been the UK’s most trusted event for anyone planning, improving, or creating their dream home. In 2025, the London Homebuilding and Renovating Show promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together over 250 exhibitors, more than 80 expert-led sessions, and free one-to-one consultations…
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Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s UK house plans revealed
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are set to expand their property empire with a move into the English countryside. Reports confirm the couple are close to buying a 58-acre site near Wigginton in the Cotswolds, a region known for its rolling hills and privacy. The site already comes with planning permission for a large luxury home, giving…
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Add Homebuilding & Renovating as a ‘preferred source’ on Google
Do you ever feel like it’s hard to find reliable, expert advice about renovating, improving, or building your home? Google has introduced a new tool to help you cut through the noise and see more of the content you care about. By adding Homebuilding & Renovating as one of your “preferred sources,” you’ll get our…
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7 tips for successfully building on brownfield land
For many self-builders, the hunt for a suitable building plot represents one of the biggest challenges of the entire project. Yet, recent changes to national planning policy could unlock new potential avenues for tracking down land; specifically, alterations made to the policy around brownfield sites. In 2024, the government pledged its support for the development…