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Planning, design and build · Merseyside

Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Liverpool

Are serviced self-build plots coming forward in Liverpool?

Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Liverpool 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.

Site manager in a safety helmet checking drawings on a housebuilding siteLiverpool · L1

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 Liverpool

Liverpool (L1) is the hub of our Merseyside coverage, with 16 further towns covered. Birkenhead is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 2 miles, followed by Litherland and Bootle. Liverpool is part of England’s North West region.

Near Liverpool, we look at fields that need a masterplan before an application, plots where access or drainage is the sticking point and land with an expired or ageing consent. In England, where Liverpool 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 Liverpool and we will explain how we would take it forward.

Why work with Land to Homes in Liverpool

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning in Liverpool: the English rules

Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Liverpool, 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.

Key rules in Liverpool
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
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.
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Liverpool: questions

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 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.

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 Liverpool?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Liverpool and elsewhere in Merseyside, including Litherland, Prescot and Heswall. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.

Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: Section 106 and affordable housing: what landowners should know

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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