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Planning, design and build · County Armagh

Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Portadown

Are serviced self-build plots coming forward in Portadown?

Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Portadown is one of the areas where self-builders can register interest. On larger sites, a share of plots can be set aside for self-build and custom build, each with access, services and a plot passport setting out what can be built. Landowners with land suited to plots can also talk to us.

Aerial view of a housing site with plots at different build stages and a site compoundPortadown · BT62

Free 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

Our work around Portadown

Portadown is the main town we cover in County Armagh, centred on postcode district BT62. Nearby, we also cover Lurgan, Banbridge and Armagh, all within 10 miles.

Near Portadown, we look at land where self-build plots could suit the market, sites where the layout needs to change and schemes that need redesigning to work. In Northern Ireland, where Portadown sits, planning decisions are made by the 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications.

If you have a site near Portadown that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.

Why work with Land to Homes in Portadown

Design rules up front

Where a site has a design code or plot passport, we set out the rules before you commit, so you know what the planning permission allows.

Services at the boundary

Plots are planned with road access and connections for water, drainage and electricity, so you are not left negotiating with utility companies on your own.

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.

Landowners welcome

If your land could suit self-build plots, our free site appraisal explains the options, including a direct purchase, an option or a promotion agreement.

How the rules work in Portadown

Permission in Principle, an English route, does not apply in Northern Ireland. Instead, landowners near Portadown usually seek outline or full planning permission from the council. Developer contributions are agreed under Section 76 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and there is no Community Infrastructure Levy. Land to Homes can take on that process through an option or promotion agreement, or buy a suitable site directly, subject to survey, title and contract.

In Northern Ireland, there is no statutory self-build register like England's. Plots are assessed under the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and the council's development plan, and countryside policy limits new single homes outside settlements to specific cases. Building control approval comes from the council, and Stamp Duty Land Tax may be payable on the plot purchase.

Key rules in Portadown
Local planning documentLocal Development Plan (LDP), made up of a Plan Strategy and a Local Policies Plan
Who decides applicationsThe 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding when contracts signed by both parties are exchanged and finishes on completion, with the title registered in the Land Registry at Land & Property Services.

Common questions in Portadown

What is a serviced plot?

A serviced plot is a piece of land ready for a single home, with access to a road and connections for services such as water, drainage and electricity at or near the boundary. In England, the Right to Build legislation defines a serviced plot by reference to access to a public highway and those utility connections, or the ability to provide them.

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.

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.

Do you take on planning and building work in Portadown?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Portadown and elsewhere in County Armagh, including Armagh and Lurgan. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.

Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: Biodiversity net gain for landowners: what it means for your land

Serviced Plots for Self-Build elsewhere in County Armagh

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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