The benefits of green selfbuild properties
For the first time, NaCSBA's Custom and SelfBuild Market Report 2023/24 report states that custom and selfbuild homes have a higher positive local impact than mainstream housing. The report commissioned by the Right to Build task force analysed five areas with different area classifications and found custom and selfbuild homes (CSB) are up to 43% more sustainable than the average new build.
The research states:
Custom and selfbuild (CSB) developments more than double the local economic impact of mainstream housing (taking labour and materials into consideration).
Data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) shows that CSB homes generally consume less energy (between 8-42% lower and CO2 emissions of 7-43% lower) than the average new build EPC. The report assessed EPCs in the same five case study areas.
The economic benefits of building green CSB
NACSBA's report highlights the value of custom and selfbuild (CSB) homes in boosting local community economies and creating more sustainable homes. This report also reinforces the value of these properties which may help support positive planning application outcomes and even enhance the profitability of the property.
Protecting a selfbuild project from the additional cost of loss or damage is essential. It's important to consider insurance before the building starts, preferably at the exchange contracts stage to reduce being exposed to unexpected and costly incidents.
Selfbuild insurance at a glance
| Public liability |
Up to £5 million |
| Employers' liability |
£10 million |
| Cover length |
3, 6, 9,12, 18 & 24 months (can be extended) |
| Contract Works |
£30k to £1M |
| Tools insurance |
£1,000 |
| Personal Possessions |
£5,000 |
| Period of cover |
Build start to completion (plot covered before build starts) |
Insurance cover is available in monthly increments (three, six, nine, 12, 18 or 24 months) and remains in place until building control approves the new property.
Biodiversity net gain laws for smaller sites – 2 April 2024
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an important consideration for selfbuilders, especially for group or community selfbuild projects. On 12 February, it became mandatory for all major developments across the UK to deliver 10% BNG. Smaller sites will face mandatory BNG rules from 2 April 2024. CSB sites of nine units or less and on a site no larger than 0.5 hectares are exempt. Exempt properties must meet the definition of a custom or selfbuild home under section 1(A1) of the Selfbuild and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.
BNG is a product of the Environment Act 2021 legislation, which ensures that wildlife habitats are left in measurably better condition than before development.
Defra's BNG measurements assess a site based on size, quality, location, and type. The Local Government Association guidance states that larger-scale custom and selfbuild sites (over nine units/0.5ha) are treated the same as phased developments.
Builders can register their new Biodiversity Gain Site on the government’s Register and find out further information in the Planning Resource.