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Planning, design and build · Devon

Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Exmouth

Are serviced self-build plots coming forward in Exmouth?

If you want to build your own home in Exmouth, 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.

Site manager in a safety helmet checking drawings on a housebuilding siteExmouth · EX8

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

Planning and building around Exmouth

Exmouth sits about 37 miles north-east of Plymouth in Devon, in the EX8 postcode district. Exeter is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 9 miles, followed by Newton Abbot and Torquay. Exmouth is part of England’s South West region.

Near Exmouth, we look at sites that need a fresh planning strategy, land with an expired or ageing consent and in-principle consents that still need detailed approval. As Exmouth is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Tell us about the site near Exmouth and we will explain how we would take it forward.

Our approach in Exmouth

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning in Exmouth: the English rules

In England, most planning applications for new homes in Exmouth are decided by the local planning authority, usually the council, using its Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Many landowners sell without planning, either outright or through an option or promotion agreement that funds the application first. Land to Homes offers a free site appraisal, pays your reasonable legal fees on option and promotion agreements, and can buy suitable sites directly, subject to survey, title and contract.

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.

Key rules in Exmouth
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Land registrationHM Land Registry
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.

Your questions answered for Exmouth

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 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.

What is the Right to Build register?

In England, councils must keep a register of people and groups who want a serviced plot to build their own home, and have a duty to grant enough suitable planning permissions to meet the demand it shows. Many councils let you join free, though some charge a fee or apply local connection tests. The duty applies in England only.

Can you manage a site in Exmouth from planning to build?

On land we take forward ourselves in Exmouth and elsewhere in Devon, including Paignton, Plymouth and Plymstock, 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: Option agreement or promotion agreement: what is the difference?

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.

CallFree appraisal