Self and custom build housing

Self-build and custom housebuilding is housing built by individuals, or groups, for their own use, either by building the home on their own or by working with builders.

Self-build and custom housebuilding register

We are required by law to hold a register of people who are interested in self-build and custom housebuilding in Bedford Borough.

This register also includes people wanting to acquire serviced plots of land for self-build and custom housebuilding.

Read more about the self-build and custom housebuilding, legislation and the register:

Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016
GOV.UK's self-build and custom housebuilding guidance and register
Self-build portal helps you choose the right route to your custom or self-build home (you will need to sign up for access to the portal)

We consider the register when carrying out our functions in relation to planning, housing, regeneration and the disposal of any land owned by the Council.

The register is not publicly available.

Qualifying for the register

To be included on the register you (and all the individuals in an association) must be:

age 18 or over
a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
wanting to acquire a serviced plot of land to build a house to occupy as your sole or main home

Apply for inclusion on the register

To apply for your details to be placed on the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register as an individual, please download the attached form and guidance note and send your completed form (and any supporting evidence requested) to housing.strategy@bedford.gov.uk.