Category: Self Build

  • Self-Build Mortgages: Stage Payments, Costs & Lender Guide

    Self-Build Mortgages: Stage Payments, Costs & Lender Guide

    TL;DR: How self-build mortgages work in the UK — from advance and arrears stage payments to cost overrun contingencies, lender criteria, and choosing between custom build and self-build routes.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.


    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • Self-Build Mortgage Calculator: Estimate Your Costs

    Self-Build Mortgage Calculator: Estimate Your Costs

    TL;DR: Estimate your self-build mortgage costs including land purchase, build costs per stage, contingency buffers, and monthly payments. Understand how lenders calculate your borrowing limits.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.


    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • Custom Build vs Self-Build: Finance Options Compared

    Custom Build vs Self-Build: Finance Options Compared

    TL;DR: Compare custom build and self-build mortgage options. Understand the key differences in how lenders treat each route, stage payment structures, and which approach suits your project.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.


    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • Self Build Mortgages: Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home

    # Self Build Mortgages: Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home

    Self build mortgages finance the construction of your own home, from land purchase to completion.

    ## Self Build Mortgage Process

    ### Stage Payments
    – **Land purchase** funding
    – **Foundation** stage
    – **Wall plate** stage
    – **Roof completion**
    – **Final** completion

    ### Requirements
    – **Planning permission**
    – **Building regulations**
    – **Professional** team
    – **Insurance** coverage

    *Planning to build your own home? Our specialist brokers understand self build requirements and can help you secure the right finance.*