ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING / FUNDING
Making a plan
B efore any significant construction – think self-builds or substantial alterations – you need a crucial go-ahead: planning permission. It’s essentially getting official approval from your local council. They hold the keys, ensuring developments fit local rules and the surrounding area, even if you own the property outright. So, do you need this permission for your project? You almost certainly do if you’re: • Building from scratch (self-building). • Making a major change to an existing house – more than just minor tweaks. This includes significant extensions or changing the building’s use entirely. • Working on a property that’s Listed or located within a Conservation Area. It’s worth noting that some properties might already have permission in place, so always check the records. A smart strategy is applying for permission on land before you buy it (just inform the owner). Why? If your application is refused after you’ve bought, you could own land or face contracts for a project you can’t actually build. Think about skipping this step? Don’t! The council has serious teeth – they can order you to demolish everything you’ve just built! Here’s a tip: Get ahead! Planning permission takes time, so apply as early as possible. It’s also wise to chat with a planning officer at the council before submitting; they can highlight any potential hiccups upfront. And to save yourself hassle, consider letting your architect, solicitor or builder handle the application on your behalf. Navigating planning permission smoothly is key to bringing your vision safely to life.
FUNDING YOUR VISION
B ringing your home vision to life is exciting - but funding it can be complex. Whether you’re building from scratch or undertaking a major renovation, understanding your finance options is key. Start Early & Budget Smart Begin mortgage discussions as soon as possible. Specialist products like self-build or renovation loans can take weeks - or even months - for approval. And always build in a 10–15% contingency fund. Costs frequently overrun due to delays, materials, or unforeseen issues. Project Type = Loan Type Your project determines your financing route: Self-Build Mortgage Once you have land and planning permission, a self-build mortgage funds construction in stages - often in arrears, meaning after work is completed. You’ll need detailed plans, budgets, permissions, and sometimes proof of
announced yet, so keep an eye on www.mygov.scot/self- build-loan-fund Energy-Efficient Homes Homeowners can access grants of up to £7,500 (plus optional loans) for heat pumps and energy upgrades via the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme. Rural and island homes qualify for an additional £1,500 per grant type—potentially unlocking up to £18,000 in funding. Visit homeenergyscotland.org. Croft House Grant For those in crofting communities, the Croft House Grant supports vital housing work, including repairs, rebuilds, and energy improvements—especially where conventional mortgages fall short. Learn more at ruralpayments.org. With the right approach, careful planning, and awareness of the available support, your dream home—whatever form it takes—can become a reality.
temporary accommodation. Expect to put down at least 25% upfront. Some lenders release advance payments, but most retain a portion until completion. www. scottishselfbuild.com has a small directory of lenders. Renovation Funding With more homeowners improving rather than moving, remortgaging to release equity is a common solution. Renovation mortgages use your property as collateral and often carry higher interest rates due to lender risk. You may also need a 25% deposit or sufficient existing equity. Adding improvement costs to your mortgage is usually cheaper long-term than credit cards or personal loans.
Support in Scotland Self-Build Loan Fund
This Scottish Government scheme offers up to £175,000 for construction (not land). It’s ideal if banks won’t lend. You must own or have a contract on a plot and secure planning permission. .The next round hasn’t been
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