Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Godalming
Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Godalming 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.
Godalming · GU7Free 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 Godalming
We cover Godalming as part of Surrey. It is about 4 miles south-west of Guildford, around postcode district GU7. The nearest other places we cover are Guildford (4 miles), Aldershot (8 miles) and Farnham (8 miles). Godalming is part of England’s South East region.
Typical work around Godalming: sites that need a fresh planning strategy, schemes that need redesigning to work and plots where access or drainage is the sticking point. Planning in Godalming follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.
If you have a site near Godalming that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.
How we work in Godalming
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.
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.
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 Godalming
If your land near Godalming lies in the Green Belt, national policy still protects it, but England's planning framework now recognises grey belt: Green Belt land that is previously developed or does not strongly contribute to certain Green Belt purposes. Where there is evidenced unmet need and the location is sustainable, grey belt housing can be acceptable, with major schemes meeting the Golden Rules on affordable housing, infrastructure and green space. Planning is never guaranteed, so we check policy, access and constraints first.
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 |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Your questions answered for Godalming
Do you have self-build plots for sale now?
Not yet. Land to Homes is a new venture and has no plots, homes or developments for sale at the moment. You can register interest with your preferred area and the kind of plot you want, and we will contact you if we bring forward plots that match. Registering is free and commits you to nothing.
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.
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.
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.
Can you manage a site in Godalming from planning to build?
On land we take forward ourselves in Godalming and elsewhere in Surrey, including Banstead, Farnham and Caterham, 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: Section 106 and affordable housing: what landowners should know