The Self Builders Podcast

Planning loopholes self-builders may not know about

Finding self build land is hard enough. Finding land you can actually get planning permission on? Even harder. In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks to Chartered Architect Caroline Martin about the three-year journey her family has been on to secure land for a very personal self-build project. What started as a search for a home that could support their son’s independence has evolved into a complex nine-dwelling planning application involving flood zones, archaeology, nutrient neutrality, overage clauses, and one planning policy that most self builders have never heard of. Caroline shares how understanding the government’s “Tilted Balance” planning policy opened up opportunities on land that most buyers and developers had overlooked, and why some of the best self build opportunities are often the sites that seem too difficult at first glance. This episode covers: * What the “Tilted Balance” policy actually means * How to identify land with hidden planning potential * Why some rejected or difficult plots can become opportunities * The reality of dealing with archaeology, phosphates and flood risk * How Caroline is funding a multi-generational self build project * Practical advice for navigating planning objections and local politics * What self builders should look for before buying land If you’ve struggled to find land, felt overwhelmed by planning, or assumed certain plots were impossible to develop, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how experienced professionals approach the process, and what everyday self builders can learn from it. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking] 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources]   #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject   The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

From farmland to a family home

Building your own home sounds exciting. But what is it actually like once you’re in it? In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Rebekah to talk through the reality of her self-build journey, from the moment the idea started on their farm, to where the project stands today.   They cover: * Why their land sparked the idea to build * The reality of planning permission (and why it’s often the hardest part) * Budget uncertainty, hidden costs, and why no one will give you a straight answer * Groundworks, unexpected expenses, and decisions that spiral * The emotional side of building — stress, doubt, and just keeping going   Rebekah also shares what she’d do differently, what surprised her most, and her advice for anyone currently in the middle of a build. If you’re thinking about self-building, or already in the thick of it, this episode gives a much more realistic picture of what to expect.   Brought to you by Mayflower Mortgage & Finance. Helping self-builders navigate the financial side of their projects with confidence.   📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking] 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources]   #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject   The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

Keir's cottage renovation

In this weeks episode of the Self-Builders podcast, Keir shares his experience of self-building a new house and renovating an existing cottage, highlighting the challenges, successes, and key takeaways from the project. Takeaways * Self-building requires careful planning and investment in preparatory work. * Local expertise and community support can make the self-building process smoother and more rewarding. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Self-Building * 06:23 Construction and Materials * 11:50 Project Completion and Future Plans If you're looking to do your own large-scale renovation, this episode is packed with real-world experience that can help you avoid some of the same mistakes. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking] 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources] #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

Renovating a 1960's bungalow

Most people think self-build means starting from an empty plot. But sometimes the smartest route is transforming an existing property into something completely new. In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks with John, who shares the story of how he transformed a modest 1960s bungalow into a modern, energy-efficient home designed to suit his lifestyle long into the future. After living in the same house for over 30 years, John and his wife wanted a home that was better suited to their needs, more sustainable to run, and designed with later life in mind. Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect property, they decided to buy a bungalow and completely reconfigure and extend it. In this episode we discuss: • why they chose to renovate and extend a bungalow rather than build from scratch • designing a home that works for both now and later life • navigating planning permission and permitted development rules • choosing the right builder for the project • funding the build through mortgage options and finance planning • creating an energy-efficient home with heat pumps, solar, and battery storage • the real running cost benefits of a modern eco-focused renovation John also shares what the process was really like, what went smoothly during the build, and the key lessons he would pass on to anyone considering a similar project. If you're considering a major renovation or thinking about future-proofing your home, this episode offers valuable insight into how thoughtful planning can create a home that works for decades to come. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking] 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources] #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

Building my own home with almost no contractors

Building your own home is one challenge. Building it largely on your own is another entirely. In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks with Adrian, who shares the remarkable story of building his own home from the ground up after years of struggling to get planning permission for his original renovation project. What began as a plan to renovate an old cottage eventually turned into a full self-build project after expert planning advice revealed a completely different route forward. Adrian explains how the project evolved, why he chose an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) build method, and how he has managed to keep costs under control by doing the vast majority of the work himself. In this episode we discuss: • how planning rules in the green belt changed the entire project • why demolishing the old cottage opened the door to a new build • choosing ICF construction for airtightness and energy efficiency • managing a self-build project largely on your own • how organisation and planning keeps the build moving forward • keeping costs under control with trade accounts and DIY labour • the realities of building a home yourself Adrian also shares the mindset that has helped him tackle such a huge project step by step — focusing on small daily progress rather than the full scale of the challenge. If you're considering a self-build, this episode offers a fascinating insight into what’s possible with determination, planning, and the right approach. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking] 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources [https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources] #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.