It is fair to say that the property market is expensive.
Many people find it harder to save up to buy a home, which has led to an increase in homeowners-to-be buying land and then planning to have a home built on it.
Of course, this comes with its own challenges, but for many, it can make the home feel more like their own, as they have ensured that it has all of the features and designs they may have failed to find in other properties.
But, if you are looking to build your home from scratch, you will probably have some questions, and it is safe to say that our structural engineer Croydon at GL Design Services will be happy to help you make sense of the project.
So, in this article, our structural engineer Croydon seeks to answer common queries searched for online by those who want to build their own homes. Enjoy!
How long will it take to build a house?
On average, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to build a house in the UK.
The time it takes to build a house in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the availability of materials and labour, and the weather.
But, the first thing you need to do is plan, as this will give you a better idea of each stage of the build and what materials will be needed, so contact our structural engineer Croydon for help with drawing the blueprints.
Will I need to pay stamp duty?
This will depend on the overall price of the property once it is built.
- Up to £500,000: No stamp duty is payable on the first £500,000 of the estimated price of a newly built home.
- £500,001 to £925,000: 5% stamp duty is payable on the portion of the home’s value that is estimated to be above £500,000.
- £925,001 to £1,500,000: 10% stamp duty is payable on the portion of the home that is over £925,000.
- Over £1,500,000: 12% stamp duty is payable on the portion of the purchase price above £1,500,000.
Planning your home is essential, as you can drastically alter the amount of stamp duty you will pay.
What regulations need to be met for a property to be habitable?
For your newly built home to be habitable, it will need to tick multiple boxes.
- Building Regulations: These cover a wide range of issues, including structural stability, fire safety, energy efficiency, and access for people with disabilities.
- Health and safety regulations: These apply to all aspects of the property, including electrical, gas, and water systems, to ensure they are safe for use.
- Planning permission: Depending on the nature and location of the property, you may need to obtain planning permission from your local council before making any alterations or improvements to the property.
- Energy performance certificates (EPCs): An EPC is a report that provides information on the energy efficiency of a property and gives it a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). An EPC is required for any property that is built, sold, or rented out in the UK.
It is important to note that these regulations may vary depending on where your property is built and the specific type of work being undertaken. Always consult with a qualified professional, such as an architect or surveyor, to ensure that all necessary regulations are met.