Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Brentwood
Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Brentwood 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.
Brentwood · CM14Free 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 Brentwood
Brentwood sits about 18 miles west of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, in the CM14 postcode district. Billericay is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 5 miles, followed by Hornchurch and Romford. Within England, Brentwood falls in the East of England region.
Typical work around Brentwood: schemes that need redesigning to work, land with an expired or ageing consent and fields that need a masterplan before an application. Because Brentwood 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 Brentwood and we will explain how we would take it forward.
Our approach in Brentwood
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.
Right to Build explained
In England, councils keep self-build and custom housebuilding registers. We explain how the registers work in general terms, but they are run by councils, not by us.
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.
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.
The English system, as it applies in Brentwood
Selling development land in Brentwood usually starts with heads of terms, a short written summary of price, conditions and fees, before solicitors draft the contract. In England the sale becomes binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, with the title then registered at HM Land Registry. The buyer normally pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. On option and promotion agreements with Land to Homes, your reasonable legal fees are covered, with the amount agreed in the heads of terms.
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.
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
|---|---|
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| 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. |
Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Brentwood: questions
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.
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.
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.
Do you take on planning and building work in Brentwood?
Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Brentwood and elsewhere in Essex, including Grays, Colchester and Waltham Abbey. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.
Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: Selling part of your garden: what you need to know