Self-build register

This page tells you about what the self-build and custom housebuilding register is, and how to be added to it. It gives information about what it means to have your name on the register, and what the process is to do so.

Self-build is when an individual (or group of individuals) build a house or houses on their own land. This is sometimes with the help of a sub-contractor.

Custom-build is when an individual (or group of individuals) get a builder, contractor or other company to build their home or homes on land they own.

We are required by law to keep a register of individuals who wish to build their own home in the city. If you plan to build your own home in Portsmouth you can apply to be added to our Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register.

The register lets us know the level of demand for self-build and custom build plots in Portsmouth. It tells us where people would like to build their home and the type of home they would like to build. However, registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot of land will be found, or that any land will become available to buy.

We have set local eligibility conditions which allow the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register to be set up in two parts. This means we have a duty to grant planning permissions on enough plots of land to meet the demand for those with a proven local connection. These people will have their names added to part one of the register. Those who cannot prove a local connection can still have their name added to part two of the register.

If you are interested in finding a suitable plot of land for your own self-build or custom-build home in Portsmouth, please fill out the application form at the bottom of this page. Return it, along with any relevant evidence, to planningpolicy@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

To have your name added to part one of the register you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• a UK citizen, or national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), or a national of Switzerland
• be seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a service plot of land in Portsmouth to build a home to occupy as your sole or main residence
• provide evidence that you are:

Currently employed at an address in the city for a period of at least two continuous years without a gap of more than 4 weeks between different employment in the city; or currently living at an address that forms the applicant’s sole or principal place of residence in the city for a period of at least two continuous, uninterrupted years; or

Currently a serving member of the regular armed forces, or that they have served as a member of the regular armed forces within the two years prior to their application to be entered onto the register.

To have your name added to part two of the register you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• a UK citizen, or national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), or a national of Switzerland
• be seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a service plot of land in Portsmouth to build a home to occupy as your sole or main residence.

• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015
• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016
• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (Time for Compliance and Fees) Regulations 2016
• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Guidance