Mark Prisk backing Self Build Week as six million Brits plan own homes

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Development

Thursday 14th March 2013 - 9:29am

Mark Prisk urges mortgage lenders to back revamped Right to Buy

The first ever National Self Build Week (NSBW) is to take place in May, and it has the backing of housing minister Mark Prisk.

The news coincides with the results of an Ipsos MORI poll that discovered that around six million Brits are currently planning or researching how to build their own homes.

It was found that one million people are already at the stage of acquiring a building plot, obtaining planning permission and expect to start construction in the next 12 months.

Despite such a volume of interest, only 12,000 people managed to build their own homes in 2012 - a fraction of what is delivered in most European countries.

NSBW is aiming to help prospective self-builders to understand the ways it is now possible to get a home built.

The event, which has the support of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), has been organised by the National Self Build Association (NaSBA) and will take place during the Grand Designs Live exhibitions.

Guest speakers at the event will include Mark Prisk MP, George Clarke, Kevin McCloud, Tom Dyckoff, Charlie Luxton and many more.

Mark Prisk said: “I wholeheartedly support this initiative. This government is determined to help make building your own home easier for everyone and the NSBW is a further step towards achieving this ambition.

"NaSBA’s survey gives us reason for optimism that this is already starting to happen, but we must maintain the momentum which is building around this sector and continue to maximise our efforts to help all those people who want to build their own home.”

Meanwhile, Grand Designs presenter and live show host Kevin McCloud said: "The great news is that six million people are looking into the feasibility of undertaking a self build project.

“The Ipsos MORI survey shows that there is a huge appetite to build a home in the UK and we are really determined to help more of them achieve it. When you build a house for yourself you get the home you really want, designed to precisely fit your needs."