Self-Build continues to hold its own

Self-build market benefiting in the current economic conditions with a continuing move towards parity between the volume house-builder market and the self-build market.

NHBC start statistics for the three month period to November reveal only 10,718 new start applications were received from the volume house-builder whilst Emap Glenigan reported 7,366 planning applications from self-builders for the same period.

Plotfinder.net, one of the leading plot finder resources for self-builders, has reported a growing number of plots available with 7,594 plots available in November 2008 compared to 5,308 in November 2007.

"We are currently processing plots that have just come on the market and can confirm that plot availability will continue to rise, particularly in this first quarter".

"We are seeing an increased number of plots from both estate agents and smaller developers which wouldn't normally be available to the private individual".

"Now is definitely the time to be considering a self-build project if the appropriate funding is in place," said Vicky Baylis, Manager of Plotfinder.net.

Trade manufacturers and suppliers are being urged to consider the self-build sector as a more effective target market.

In the last housing slowdown, self-build numbers grew by 14% and some experts believe this pattern could repeat itself.

As the average spend on a self-build home is considerably higher than on a speculatively built home it makes sense for manufacturers and suppliers to look carefully at how they can attract the self-builder".

"These are tough times for the building industry, but with self-build continuing to hold its own, it makes sense for suppliers to divert budgets to target the one sector where sales remain strong," said Nick Noble, Show Director of the Homebuilding and Renovating Shows.

Exhibitors at The Homebuilding and Renovating Shows find the Shows an effective way to target the self-builder".

"The Homebuilding and Renovating Shows have always been an excellent way for us to meet and talk to the self-builder, which is an important market for us," said Tony Newcombe, Marketing Manager for Buildbase.

"We have been exhibiting at the Shows for a number of years and are never disappointed with the quality of visitor".

The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show takes place at the NEC from the 19 to 22 March and features over 500 exhibitors and 96 free seminar and masterclasses.

The Show also offers The Eco Homes Show, Ask the Experts, Ask the Architects and Specialist Information areas.

Tickets for the Show are GBP10 in advance or GBP14 on the door (children under 16 go free).

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