Self-build

Self-build finance: land through to habitation

Self-build mortgages release funds at defined construction stages — you're never funding costs weeks ahead of the work. Advance-stage products release funds before each stage, arrears-stage after.

Audience: Self-builders

Situation: You're building your own home and need staged funding through land purchase, foundations, wall plate, wind-and-watertight and completion.

Primary: Commercial Loans

The situation

The single biggest self-build failure mode is cashflow: costs run ahead of drawdowns. Advance-stage products (Buildstore-style) release funds before each stage — critical if you don't have significant working capital to bridge.

How we approach it

We match self-builders to the right stage-payment lender, plus land bridges where the plot has to complete before mortgage drawdown, plus contingency lines for the inevitable overruns.

What that looks like in practice

Advance-stage or arrears-stage products depending on cashflow
Land bridges for plot purchases before self-build starts
Typical 75-85% of land + build costs, or 75% of finished value
Custom-build and package-build variants supported
Refinance onto standard residential once habitation certificate issued

Typical timeline

Pre-build
Land bridge (if needed), self-build mortgage in principle.
Stages
Drawdowns at foundations, wall plate, W&W, first fix, completion.
Post-build
Refinance onto standard residential mortgage.

Common questions

Advance-stage vs arrears-stage — which do I need?

Advance if you don't have material working capital — you'll never wait to pay contractors. Arrears is cheaper but needs cashflow to bridge each stage.

Do I need planning at application?

Full planning consent — outline isn't enough for most lenders. Warranty (e.g. structural warranty provider) also needed.

Can I refinance onto a normal mortgage after?

Yes — once habitation certificate is issued you can move to standard residential rates. We plan the exit at outset.