What would you sacrifice to build your dream home?

Would you sell your house, move into a caravan, and live on-site while managing your self-build?

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Rachel to hear the honest story behind her self-build journey: from buying a plot with planning permission to living in a caravan during the build, all the way through to completing the home she still loves today.

Rachel shares the highs, the lows, the stress, the unexpected costs, and the moments that made it all worth it.

Her story is a brilliant reminder that self-build isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset, the right team, and the determination to keep going, the rewards can be life-changing.

This episode covers:

• How Rachel got started with self-build
• Buying a plot with planning permission already in place
• Selling her home to fund the build
• Why she moved into a caravan on-site
• Managing the build while working from home
• Budgeting for unexpected costs
• Where extra money gets spent during a self-build
• The reality of being over budget
• Choosing the right builder and trades
• The most stressful stages of the build
• Mistakes Rachel would avoid next time
• The small details that make a big difference
• Why finishing strong matters
• What life feels like after moving in

Rachel shares one message throughout the episode: Just keep going.

Self-build can be stressful, exhausting and overwhelming at times. But every challenge gets you closer to the home you’ve worked so hard to create.

Now, years after completing the build, Rachel still has moments where she walks into her kitchen, looks out through the sliding doors into the garden, and reminds herself exactly why it was all worth it.

If you’re planning a self-build, currently mid-build, or feeling overwhelmed by the journey, this episode is full of reassurance, perspective, and honest advice from someone who’s been through it all.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:

Mayflower Booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:

Free Self-Build Resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #DreamHome

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.

For many people, self-build is exciting in theory. But in reality, managing planning, utilities, contractors, budgets and timelines can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Adrian and Mike from Greenlee Developments to explore a different route: custom build.

Greenlee specialises in sourcing land, securing planning, and delivering high-quality bespoke homes through a model that gives buyers the flexibility to personalise their home, without the pressure of managing the entire build themselves.

The conversation explores how custom build sits between traditional self-build and buying from a standard housebuilder, why demand for this model is growing, and how Greenlee helps clients create homes that feel truly personal.

This episode covers:

• What custom build actually means
• How it differs from self-build and standard housebuilding
• Why custom build is growing in popularity
• The benefits of a turnkey self-build solution
• How Greenlee helps source land and secure planning
• Why early-stage planning and due diligence matter
• Common challenges in self-build projects
• The importance of utilities, infrastructure and site servicing
• Why early customer involvement improves project outcomes
• How buyers can personalise layouts, finishes and specifications
• The role of expert teams in reducing risk and stress
• Why collaboration creates better homes

Adrian and Mike share a clear message throughout this episode:

Building a bespoke home doesn’t have to mean taking on every challenge yourself.

With the right team around you, it’s possible to create a home tailored to your lifestyle, while avoiding much of the complexity that comes with traditional self-build.

This episode is ideal for anyone exploring self-build, custom build, land opportunities, or alternative ways to create a home that truly works for them.

You can find out more about Greenlee Developments here:
https://www.greenlydevelopments.co.uk/

📞 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 #CustomBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #DreamHome #PropertyDevelopment

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.

What if self-build decisions were easier?

One of the biggest challenges in any self-build project is knowing what decisions to make, when to make them, and how those choices affect everything else down the line.

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Michael from Home by Milestone, an innovative new centre designed to help self-builders, renovators, developers and industry professionals make better decisions earlier in the building journey.

Located in the historic Masson Mills, Home by Milestone is far more than a traditional showroom. It’s an immersive experience where visitors can explore sustainable building products, understand how modern systems work together, and learn what it really takes to create healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

The conversation dives into Passivhaus principles, sustainable construction, and why collaboration between designers, suppliers, builders and finance experts can dramatically improve project outcomes.

This episode covers:

• What Home by Milestone is and why it was created
• Why it’s different from a traditional construction showroom
• Passivhaus explained in simple terms
• Why energy-efficient homes are becoming the future
• The key principles behind better building performance
• Why build quality matters just as much as product choice
• Common self-build mistakes made too late in the process
• Why early-stage decision making is so important
• How poor collaboration creates costly delays and issues
• The importance of aligning design, build and finance early
• How sustainable building can improve comfort and reduce running costs
• Where self-build and construction is heading over the next 5–10 years

Michael shares a powerful perspective throughout this episode:

The future of construction isn’t just about better products.
It’s about better planning, better collaboration, and better decisions from day one.

If you’re planning a self-build, renovation, or major construction project, this episode offers valuable insight into how to future-proof your home and avoid costly mistakes.

You can find out more about Home by Milestone here:

Home by Milestone

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:

Mayflower Booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:

Free Self-Build Resources

#SelfBuild #Passivhaus #EcoBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SustainableBuilding

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, Jack sits down with returning guest Andy, who shares his journey through multiple self-build projects, from a modest first build to much larger and more complex developments worth over £1 million.

Andy talks openly about what he and his wife learned along the way, including the mistakes they made, what they would do differently, and the lessons that only come from going through the process yourself.

The conversation covers everything from funding challenges and development finance to planning issues, legal mistakes, heat pumps, building control, and why having the right team around you can make or break a project.

This episode covers:

• How Andy completed his first self-build for around £120k
• Scaling from a small build to much larger projects
• The reality of managing bigger, more complex builds
• Why resale value matters, even if you plan to stay long term
• Common planning and legal mistakes to avoid
• Lessons learned around building control and regulations
• Heat pump challenges and choosing the right installer
• Self-build mortgages vs development finance
• Why cash flow can make funding much easier
• The importance of working with experienced professionals
• Why your solicitor can have a huge impact on your project
• The biggest lessons Andy has learned after multiple builds

Andy’s biggest takeaway?
You get what you pay for.

Whether it’s your broker, solicitor, architect, or build team, having the right people around you can save huge amounts of stress, time, and money.

If you’re planning your own self-build, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice from someone who has been through the journey multiple times.

📞 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.

When people think about building an energy-efficient home, they usually focus on heat pumps, solar panels and insulation.

But there’s one part of the process that often gets overlooked: ventilation.

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Mandip from Solarcrest to break down why modern airtight homes need properly designed ventilation systems, what MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) actually does, and why “build tight, ventilate right” has become such an important principle in modern self build design.

The conversation explores how ventilation impacts everything from comfort and running costs to condensation, mould, air quality and long-term building performance. Mandip also explains why so many self builders leave ventilation decisions too late, and the expensive consequences that can create later in the build.

This episode covers:

• What MVHR actually is in simple terms
• Why modern homes need ventilation systems
• The relationship between airtightness and energy efficiency
• Why ventilation should be planned early
• Common mistakes self builders make
• The hidden costs of retrofitting systems later
• Why not all MVHR systems are equal
• The importance of fabric-first design
• Heat pumps, insulation and whole-home performance
• How to create a healthier, lower-running-cost home

You can find out more about Solarcrest here: https://solarcrest.co.uk/

PLUS, Solarcrest are one of the expert businesses that contribute to Mayflowers' Self-Build Savers Solution, meaning you get a discount with them, when you work with us.

📞 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.

"Self-Build" and "Custom-Build" terms can be used interchangeably. But they are in fact different routes.

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, host Jack speaks to Helen and David about how a normal house search unexpectedly turned into a custom build journey. What started as a plan to buy a finished property in Henley-on-Thames evolved into an opportunity to work directly with a local developer to create a bespoke home tailored around their lifestyle.

The conversation explores the realities of custom build projects, including how much flexibility buyers actually get, how stage payment mortgages work, what decisions they could influence, and the importance of having the right professionals around you throughout the process.

Helen and David also share the lessons they learned around contracts, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments, landscaping costs, snagging, and managing the relationship with a developer while still ensuring the home truly feels like their own.

This episode covers:

• The difference between self build and custom build
• How they found their plot through a normal house search
• Working directly with a local developer
• What parts of the design they could and couldn’t change
• How stage payment self build mortgages work in practice
• Why they hired an independent surveyor
• Hidden costs people often overlook
• Managing budgets, specifications and payment stages
• The importance of clarifying responsibilities early
• What they’d do differently next time

If you like the idea of creating a more personalised home, but don’t want the pressure of managing a full self build project yourself, this episode offers a valuable look into a route that sits somewhere between a traditional house purchase and a full self build.

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.

What happens when you finally build your dream home… and realise it still isn’t the life you wanted?

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, our host Jack speaks to Lindsay about the emotional and financial reality of building not one, but two self-build homes in just four years.

From navigating material price spikes during COVID, mortgage challenges with ICF construction, and living on-site in a touring caravan, to eventually creating a modern eco home in the middle of the Welsh countryside, this episode covers it all. Especially why their first build, despite being beautiful, ultimately forced a difficult decision, and how the experience completely changed the way they approached their second project.

We cover:

• Why their first self build became financially unsustainable
• The mortgage issues they faced building with ICF during COVID
• Lessons learned from managing two self build projects
• Why getting finance sorted early changes everything
• Living in a caravan while building on-site
• How they created an ultra-efficient eco home with low running costs
• The hidden costs self builders often miss
• Why contingency budgets matter far more than people think
• Honest advice for anyone currently mid-build or planning their first project

This is a refreshingly honest conversation about the side of self building people don’t always talk about: the stress, compromises, financial pressure, and emotional decisions behind creating a home that genuinely works for your life.

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.

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.