Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Barnet
A serviced plot in Barnet is a parcel of land with planning permission or a clear route to it, a road access and connections for water, drainage and electricity at the boundary, ready for someone to build their own home. Land to Homes looks for land that suits serviced plots, takes it through planning and services it, so self-builders can focus on the house.
Barnet · EN5Free 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 Barnet
Barnet (EN5) is one of the Greater London towns we cover, about 10 miles north of London. Hadley Wood is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 2 miles, followed by Potters Bar and Borehamwood. Barnet is in the London region of England.
Near Barnet, we look at in-principle consents that still need detailed approval, land where self-build plots could suit the market and sites where the layout needs to change. As Barnet is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
If you have a site near Barnet that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.
How we work in Barnet
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.
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.
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.
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.
How the rules work in Barnet
Selling development land in Barnet 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.
| National planning policy | National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance |
|---|---|
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
Your questions answered for Barnet
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 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 self-builders pay the Community Infrastructure Levy?
In England and Wales, where a council charges the Community Infrastructure Levy, self-builders can usually claim an exemption, but it must be applied for correctly and before work starts, and the conditions followed afterwards. Mistakes can mean the full charge becomes payable. Scotland and Northern Ireland do not have the levy. Take advice before starting work.
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.
Can you manage a site in Barnet from planning to build?
On land we take forward ourselves in Barnet and elsewhere in Greater London, including Islington, Greenwich and Chiswick, 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: Planning permission explained for landowners