Press Releases

Just-released data gathered from the plotfinder.net database of individual building plots for sale in the UK shows that prices continued to fall in the first three months of 2010 — but at a lower rate than in 2009.

This Thursday May 20 2010 sees the launch of the Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards — the UK’s leading awards scheme for people who have self-built or renovated to create their dream home.

Interest in both self build and home improvement continues to grow, according to a recent survey from The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show. Twenty nine percent of visitors to the Show, held at the NEC in March, are currently involved in a self build project, compared to 20% in 2009, with 38% involved in a renovation project, compared to 34% in 2009. This homeowner confidence is mirrored by recent news from the Nationwide that house prices in the UK have risen by 10.5% in the year to the end of April.

Upgrading the kitchen is currently the most popular improvement homeowners want to make to their home, according to new research carried out by Shelter and RIBA. More importantly, 74% of those surveyed said they wanted to make a property their ideal home rather than just increase its value.

Homebuilding & Renovating, the UK’s leading magazine for self-builders and renovators, comments on the recent introduction of Feed-in Tariffs for renewable technology.

Homebuilding & Renovating, the UK’s leading self-build magazine and website, responds to last week’s launch of the Conservative Party’s Green Paper on planning policy, “Open Source Planning”

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make and whether you’re renovating, extending, improving or self-building, the decisions you make could last a lifetime. You may be at the beginning of your first building project – or have multiple projects under your belt. Whatever your situation, the planning stage is always the most important. Researching the options, finding out about the latest products and innovations and seeking advice from experts will ensure you achieve the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Always dreamed of building your own home and think you might have found a perfect plot? Running out of space and thinking about extending rather than moving? Stop! Before you go any further, consider the cautionary tales of two men who built without permission and paid a very heavy price…

Our homes account for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions, so Manchester United’s Gary Neville’s submission to build a carbon-zero home that is also architecturally significant sets a great example to homeowners across the country.

As final judging begins on The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2009, make sure you log on to www.selfbuildawards.co.uk for live Twitter feeds, blogs and films of Britain’s best houses.