The UK self-build and renovation market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for bespoke, high-quality homes.
At the heart of this expansion is BuildStore, a specialist mortgage broker in self-build finance, who’ve played a pivotal role in providing tailored mortgages, expert guidance, and unique industry solutions.
Embarking on a self-build, renovation project or barn conversion in the UK has historically been a challenge, primarily due to the scarcity of tailored financing options.
Traditional mortgage products often fall short in addressing the unique demands of self-builders, leaving aspiring homeowners struggling with substantial deposit requirements and cash flow uncertainties. Recognising these financial hurdles BuildStore have reshaped the lending landscape, making self-build dreams more attainable than ever before.
Building a home has traditionally carried significant financial risks, but BuildStore’s guaranteed stage payment mortgages have revolutionised the process, dramatically reducing uncertainty for homeowners and lenders. From the initial engagement through to project completion and beyond, BuildStore provide a robust framework of support designed to ensure success.
Their tailored approach includes expert budget setting, specialist advice, and a comprehensive costing service, helping customers plan with confidence. Throughout the build, they offer dedicated stage payment and customer service support, ensuring funds are released efficiently at key milestones.
To further safeguard projects, they provide insurance and warranty protections, giving homeowners peace of mind at every step. With these safety nets in place, customers can build with certainty and security through to completion.
“Buildstore’s unique model helps structure the funding process with advanced stage payments, making self-build and custom-build homes more accessible to those that don’t have a significant amount of equity upfront,” said Tom McSherry, business development manager at BuildStore.
“Additionally, BuildStore provides tailored solutions for those undertaking renovations or conversions, offering bespoke lending options to meet the unique financial requirements of these projects”.
Transforming uninhabitable homes, renovation projects and retrofit solutions
BuildStore’s guaranteed stage payment mortgages are a game-changer for how renovation and retrofit projects are funded, making it possible to transform even uninhabitable properties into beautiful, completed homes. Unlike traditional mortgages, which often require a property to be in a habitable state before lending, the BuildStore specialist renovation mortgage provides guaranteed stage payments throughout the build, ensuring essential cash flow at every phase.
Buyers can secure up to 95% of the purchase price and 95% of construction costs, up to 85% of the end value, making large-scale renovations more financially accessible. For those who already own their property, funding is based on the final value, allowing them to borrow up to 85% of the completed home’s worth, surpassing its current value and enabling high-quality, extensive refurbishments.
With BuildStore’s tailored financing solutions, renovators and self-builders can take on ambitious projects with confidence, financial flexibility, and the support they need to bring their vision to life.
Pioneering the self-build and renovation sector for 25 years
One of BuildStore’s most notable contributions is the establishment of the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) — a dedicated hub for self-builders and renovators.
In 2007, BuildStore created the NSBRC—the UK’s only permanent exhibition and education centre dedicated to self-builders and renovators. The centre serves as a knowledge hub, offering workshops, training courses, and expert seminars to guide individuals through the complexities of home-building. Visitors benefit from access to life-size exhibits, showcasing different construction techniques, sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient solutions.
The NSBRC also connects self-builders and renovators with trusted suppliers, architects, and industry professionals, providing a unique platform for education and networking. By demystifying the build process, the NSBRC has empowered thousands of individuals to embark on their own home-building journey with confidence.
Supporting plot finding and custom build developments
Recognising that finding the right plot is a significant hurdle for aspiring self-builders, BuildStore operates PlotSearch, with self-build plot and renovation opportunities plus advice and information to help individuals navigate the complexities of searching for a plot. While those considering custom-build plots and developments, BuildStore collaborates with developers and local councils to promote serviced plots and community-led self-build initiatives. These efforts are instrumental in making custom-build homes a viable option for more people.
Building the growth of the mortgage industry and self-build sector
BuildStore’s innovative approach to self-build finance and education has played a crucial role in driving growth within the self-build sector.
Raymond Connor, CEO of BuildStore, reflected on the company’s success. He said: “By addressing the challenges self-builders have faced we’ve unlocked new opportunities for homeowners looking to create truly bespoke properties. As self-build continues to gain momentum, financial institutions and mortgage lenders have an increasing role to play in supporting this market.
“BuildStore’s success enabling over 30,000 new homes across the UK demonstrates the potential for specialist mortgage products to transform the sector, making self-build a mainstream option for UK homebuyers.
“We’re thrilled to be nominated and shortlisted for the what MORTGAGE award in Best Specialist Mortgage Broker category and want to thank everyone that has valued our service by voting for us”.
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Start your self-build or renovation journey with BuildStore, get in touch.
For mortgage professionals looking to tap into this expanding market, partnering with self-build specialists like BuildStore offers additional opportunities to support a growing segment of the UK housing industry.
