Grant Shapps is right to champion self-building.

But the interest in self-build far exceeds the current supply of individual building plots. If this issue could be resolved, and mortgage supply restored, the sector has very significant growth potential.

At its peak in 2004-5 self-build reached over 21,000 units and could quickly return to this level and beyond. Currently the UK self-build sector is proportionally smaller than in most western European countries and the US. Unleashed, it would create greater choice and value for customers, much needed work for architects and builders, and demand for construction materials, providing a significant boost for the economy.

Michael Holmes,
Editor-in-chief, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine