Welcome

A sk someone to envisage their ultimate dream

Sustainable & sensitive new home

inspiration

Hertfordshire House

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Estate development ousts self build plan

A site in Petersfield, Hampshire, which was allocated

Ikea relaunches UK renewables offering

Ikea is once again offering home solar solutions

Government aims to speed up home buying process

Labour has announced “the biggest shakeup to the

Need to know

Why custom build could be the future of housing

Product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

Interiors notebook

Create a cosy, charming environment with these modern heritage features, uniting contemporary living with a timeless aesthetic

Ask the EXPERTS

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry

FIND YOUR DREAM BUILDING PLOT

PlotBrowser.com is a 100% free-to-use plot and property finder, packed with 1,000s of home building opportunities. Here’s a taster of the fantastic self build plots, renovation properties and conversions currently for sale near you

Build It Awards 2025

The Build It Awards is the UK’s only independent, expert-judged scheme celebrating the very best of self build and renovation. In this edition, we’re giving you a taster of some of the fantastic projects, products, services and suppliers that have made this year’s incredible shortlist

Designing an annexe

Lesley Hally , founder of LA Hally Architect, discusses how you can create a stylish, functional annexe for flexible living

MODERN COUNTRY HOMES

Scarlett Deamer highlights eight beautiful countryside self builds and speaks to industry experts about how to create a location-sensitive design, plus the planning considerations for rural projects

Past & Present

Neil and Sandra Caul have built a multi-generational home in the Angus countryside; a striking, futureproof farmhouse that’s rooted in the area’s agricultural past

SHOW OF UNITY

Matt and Emily Lightbody’s practical, balanced retrofit to a 1970s house adds space and improves energy efficiency

INSPIRED BY NATURE

Stunning natural surroundings and far-reaching views gave rise to the design of Esther Horwood’s new home – a striking modern abode nestled on the bank of the River Avon

KITCHEN-DINER EXTENSIONS

Emily Batesmith has handpicked a range of inspiring projects and spoken to the experts about how to plan your home’s new addition

Heat pumps vs biomass

Eco heating expert David Hilton compares these low-carbon heating contenders, and looks at which will best suit your home

PERFECTING PICTURE WINDOWS

From design to performance, Amandine Lefevre explains how to capture the perfect view with this modern glazing feature

Sustainable BUILDING

Choosing to build sustainably starts with selecting the right construction method. Here, we explore what makes a property eco-friendly and highlight the systems that could help you create a greener home

PLANNING YOUR SMART LIGHTING

This tech is much more than controlling brightness on your smartphone – it’s about layering scenes, boosting wellbeing and enhancing your living spaces, says Emily Batesmith

Radiator upgrades should you replace or refurb?

Could old radiators be driving up bills and compromising comfort? Serial renovator Kate Sandhu reveals the smartest upgrade routes – and what to budget

USING ROOFLIGHTS EFFECTIVELY

Architect Julian Owen explores the different ways you can brighten your home with overhead glazing, and the key factors to note for a successful setup

Do I need planning permission for my renovation?

Before starting your project, it’s crucial to understand whether or not you need to apply for planning permission. Julia Riddle explores how to navigate the process

Self build mortgages

Trying to work out the best way to finance your project? Scarlett Deamer speaks to experts about the funding options available and common mistakes to avoid

Self build & custom build mortgage table

Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance

Understanding heat pump performance

Switching to a heat pump? Nigel Griffiths explains why lab-tested CoP figures don’t tell the full story on efficiency and real-world savings