Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Reading
If you want to build your own home in Reading, the hardest part is usually finding a plot with permission, access and services already sorted. Land to Homes plans serviced plots for self-build and custom build on suitable sites. We have no plots available yet, but you can register interest and tell us what you are looking for.
Reading · RG1Free site appraisal
Tell us about your land and we will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
- Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
- Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
- Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Sites we take on near Reading
Reading (RG1) anchors our coverage of Berkshire, which takes in 10 other places. Lower Earley is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 3 miles, followed by Wokingham and Crowthorne. Within England, Reading falls in the South East region.
Projects we can take on around Reading include fields that need a masterplan before an application, sites where the layout needs to change and land with an expired or ageing consent. Because Reading is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Tell us about the site near Reading and we will explain how we would take it forward.
What you get in Reading
Part of larger schemes
On bigger developments, serviced plots can sit alongside homes for sale, rent and affordable tenures, sharing the same roads and services.
Planning made clear
We aim to bring plots forward with planning permission in place, or with a clear set of rules, often called a plot passport, describing what can be built.
Register interest now
No plots are available yet. Registering interest tells us where people want plots and what they need, which helps shape the sites we bring forward.
Self-build or custom build
Build the home yourself with your own builder and architect, or choose a more complete custom build package where one is offered on the site.
Rules that apply in Reading
Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Reading, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.
In England, councils keep self-build and custom housebuilding registers under the Right to Build legislation and have a duty to grant enough suitable permissions for serviced plots to meet demand. Self-build homes can usually claim an exemption from the Community Infrastructure Levy where it is charged, and plots are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan.
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
|---|---|
| Land registration | HM Land Registry |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry. |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Reading: questions
What is the difference between self-build and custom build?
With self-build, you organise the design and construction of your home yourself, either doing some of the work or hiring a builder. With custom build, a developer provides more of the package, such as a serviced plot, a range of designs and sometimes the construction itself, while you make the key choices. The line between the two is not always sharp.
Can I sell part of my land as self-build plots?
Yes, if the land has planning prospects and suitable access. A few plots can suit land on a village edge or a large garden. Our free site appraisal looks at whether plots would work and whether a direct sale to us, an option or a promotion agreement is the right route. On option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.
Can I get a mortgage for a self-build plot?
Many lenders offer self-build mortgages that release money in stages as the build progresses, but criteria vary and a standard mortgage will not usually work. You will normally need planning permission, a detailed budget and a warranty or professional supervision in place. A mortgage broker or adviser can explain the options; we cannot give financial advice.
Is there a self-build register in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
In Scotland, planning authorities keep self-build lists of people interested in building their own home, which inform local planning. Wales and Northern Ireland do not have a statutory register like England's, although some councils may still record interest, and self-build plots are assessed through normal planning policy. Check with your local council.
Can you manage a site in Reading from planning to build?
On land we take forward ourselves in Reading and elsewhere in Berkshire, including Windsor, Maidenhead and Slough, we manage planning, design and construction. Tell us about the site and we will explain how we would approach it.
Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: How is development land valued?