Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Rochester
Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Rochester 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.
Rochester · ME1Free 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 Rochester
We cover Rochester as part of Kent. It is about 8 miles north of Maidstone, around postcode district ME1. Nearby, we also cover Chatham, Strood and Gillingham, all within 2 miles. Within England, Rochester falls in the South East region.
Typical work around Rochester: fields that need a masterplan before an application, sites where the layout needs to change and schemes that need redesigning to work. In England, where Rochester sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
Tell us about the site near Rochester and we will explain how we would take it forward.
Our approach in Rochester
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.
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 Rochester
Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Rochester, 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 |
|---|---|
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| 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. |
Your questions answered for Rochester
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 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.
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 you manage a site in Rochester from planning to build?
On land we take forward ourselves in Rochester and elsewhere in Kent, including Swanley, Chatham and Herne Bay, 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: Landowner joint ventures explained: sharing in the development