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

📘 Download our 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 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

📘 Download our 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.

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

📘 Download our 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.

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

📘 Download our 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 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

📘 Download our 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.

In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jodie and James share the full story behind their self-build journey: from renovating a 17th-century cottage to splitting their land and building a brand new home next door. Yes - both in one go!

They talk honestly about the highs and the challenges along the way, including planning issues, neighbour objections, managing trades, and the realities of trying to project manage a build while also working full time and raising a young family.

Inside the episode they discuss:
• how they found the property and decided to split the plot
• renovating the original cottage before starting the self-build
• planning objections and dealing with difficult neighbours
• project managing the build themselves
• what went well during the early construction stages
• where things became more difficult during the finishing stages
• the biggest lessons they would apply if they built again

Despite the challenges, the project ultimately resulted in a beautiful family home, and plenty of valuable lessons for anyone thinking about taking on a self-build project themselves.

If you're considering building your own home, 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

📘 Download our 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.

In this episode of the Self-Builders Podcast, we speak with a homeowner who completed a full self-build project in the UK. From buying the plot to moving into a brand new, self-built five-bedroom house, in just 11 months.

He shares what motivated him to build instead of buying on the open market, how he found the plot, and what the journey looked like from planning permission through to construction and completion.

Self-build projects can feel daunting at first, but this conversation gives a realistic look at what the process involves and where preparation makes the biggest difference.

In this episode we discuss:

🎤 Why some buyers choose self-build instead of buying an existing home
🎤 How this project went from plot purchase to completion in around 11 months
🎤 The process of finding contractors and managing trades
🎤 The planning permission journey and dealing with local authorities
🎤 Why preparation (soil tests, asbestos checks, material supply) is critical
🎤 The benefits of brick-and-block construction for resale and mortgage options
🎤 How material sourcing can dramatically affect build costs
🎤 The challenges of interior finishes and design decisions
🎤 How financing a self-build project works in practice
🎤 Practical lessons and tips for anyone considering building their own home

Self-building isn’t always the easiest route, but as this project shows, with the right preparation and structure it can be an incredibly rewarding way to create a home that fits your life perfectly.

If you’re exploring your own self-build project and want expert guidance on financing, Mayflower Mortgage specialises in helping clients structure their projects from start to finish.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

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.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Pawley speaks with Charles, a client of Mayflower Mortgage, who undertook a self-build project to convert an old barn. Charles shares his journey of finding the perfect property, navigating planning permissions, and the importance of good financing. He discusses the challenges encountered during construction, including unexpected costs and structural issues, while emphasising the need for flexible budgeting. The conversation also highlights the significance of good design, water management, and the emotional highs and lows of self-building. Charles concludes with valuable tips for aspiring self-builders.

We discuss:

• Charles’s barn conversion project.
• Finding the right property took four years.
• Be mindful of your criteria when searching for a property.
• Engage a planning consultant early to avoid complications.
• Expect unexpected costs in renovations.
• A good structural engineer is invaluable.
• Water management is crucial in building projects.
• Flexibility in budgeting is essential.
• Pay for significant expenses on a credit card for protection.
• Shop around for the best terms with suppliers.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources 

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

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.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Paulie speaks with Paul Grice, a self-build mortgage client, about his journey through the self-build process. Paul shares insights on choosing the right property, navigating planning permissions, the importance of hiring a good architect, and finding the right builder.

He discusses the challenges faced during the build, including unexpected costs and delays, and emphasises the value of open book contracts for transparency. The conversation concludes with Paul's top tips for prospective self-builders, highlighting the importance of collaboration and careful planning.

We discuss:
☑️ Choosing the right property is crucial for a successful self-build.
☑️ Planning permissions can be straightforward if you meet local criteria.
☑️ A good architect can make a significant difference in the design process.
☑️ Finding a builder you trust is essential for a smooth project.
☑️ Open book contracts provide transparency and control over costs.
☑️ Self-building can be stressful, especially during the demolition phase.
☑️ Unexpected costs often arise during construction, especially underground work.
☑️ Delays due to weather can impact the timeline significantly.
☑️ It's important to make decisions quickly during the build process.
☑️ Collaboration between the architect and builder is key to achieving your vision.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

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.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Pawley speaks with Helen and Simon, who share their experiences and insights from their self-build journey. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of finding the right plot, navigating planning permissions, managing the construction process, and the importance of being hands-on throughout the project. The conversation also highlights key tips for future self-builders, emphasising the need for meticulous planning and decision-making.

We discuss:
The project was born out of lockdown and a desire for a forever home.
They found their plot on Rightmove, which was a brownfield site.
The original use of the land was a petrol station and later a garden machinery shop.
They leveraged their real estate experience to navigate the complexities of the project.
The planning process was relatively smooth, taking about six months.
They managed the project themselves while working full-time jobs.
It's crucial to be present on-site to make timely decisions.
They tendered key packages separately while keeping the builder involved.
They moved in just over 12 months after starting the build.
Top tips include not changing your mind and nailing down specifications early.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

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.