Can you build a house on agricultural land? Sometimes says a self build expert, but here's why it can be a bit tricky

A red tractor pulling farm equipment across a large field
Building a house on agricultural land isn't always guaranteed (Image credit: Getty Images)

For many self builders, the idea of swapping the urban hustle and bustle for rolling green fields, fresh air, and endless views is very appealing.

When you start hunting for land, if this is your dream, it doesn’t take long before agricultural land pops up on your radar. Farmland is cheap, in plentiful supply and on the face of it, full of potential.

Mark Stevenson has worked as a construction professional for over 30 years and following an extensive career in housebuilding. He is currently chief operating officer for Custom Build Homes and chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association. He previously worked as managing director for Potton, helping self builders build their own homes.

Whilst Mark describes himself as a ‘professional builder’ as a result of his career in housebuilding and timber building system manufacturing, he has specialist knowledge of timber construction and extensive expertise in finding land and project management.

He regularly shares his knowledge at Homebuilding & Renovating Shows and and coaches self builders about how to build their own homes. Aside from Mark’s professional career, his skills also extend to practical building knowledge as a skilled joiner, hands-on renovator and serial self-builder of his own development projects.

He is also Vice Chair of industry body, the Structural Timber Association.