Simple, cost-effective Self Build Mortgages
Specialist mortgage advice for UK Self Builders. Get stage payments sorted, avoid costly delays, and turn your dream home into reality with expert guidance.
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What is a Self Build Mortgage?
A self build mortgage is a type of loan designed specifically for people building their own homes. Unlike traditional mortgages, where the full amount is given upfront, Self Build Mortgages release funds in stages as your project progresses. This ensures you only pay interest on the money being used.
You can use our self build mortgage calculator to find out how much you could borrow and manage your project's costs effectively.
How do Self Build Mortgages work?
Both Self Build and Custom Build Mortgages release funds in stages, as your project progresses, rather than providing a lump sum upfront. We’ve broken down how they work and what you can expect.
A typical Self Build Mortgage requires a 20% deposit against the total project cost (land and build), though deposits can go as low as 15% with certain lenders.
You can choose between funds being released in advance or after each stage, depending on your project’s cash flow needs.
Use our self build mortgage calculator to estimate how much you could borrow and calculate your project costs.
You’ll only pay interest on funds currently in use during the build.
Most lenders allow a switch to a standard mortgage post-build, often without early redemption penalties.
Funds are available to buy land, as long as the plot has at least outline planning permission or permitted development rights.
If you already own land and have planning approved, you could finance up to 100% of your build costs.
The stages of fund release vary by lender and construction method, so we’ll guide you on the best fit for your project.
The full loan amount is agreed at the start, with funds released in line with the build’s progress.
Interest-only payments are available during the build to help manage costs.
Lenders will want to ensure the loan and any savings cover all project costs, including a contingency, through to completion.
What fees will I have to pay on my Self Build Mortgage?
When arranging a Self Build Mortgage, there are several fees involved throughout the process. While the interest rates are often comparable to standard mortgages, there are other costs specific to self builds.
Mortgage interest rate
This is currently similar to standard mortgage products.
Valuation fee
Covers the cost of valuing your property during the build.
Conveyancing costs
For handling the legal aspects of your mortgage.
Warranty insurance
Required to protect your build.
Site insurance
Ensures your project is covered during construction.
Lender product fee
Some lenders charge a fee for their mortgage product.
Broker fee
Covered by our money-back guarantee.
Stage release re-inspection fees
For each inspection when funds are released in stages.
Why is it hard to get a Self Build Mortgage?
Getting a Self Build or Custom Build Mortgage can be more challenging than a traditional mortgage because fewer lenders offer these products. Unlike buying a completed property, Self Build Mortgages involve more complex requirements. But understanding these key points can help you navigate the process.
Fewer lenders offer Self Build Mortgages compared to traditional property loans, and major high street banks typically don’t provide them.
Each Self Build Mortgage lender requires a detailed cost report, including contingencies, which vary by lender.
Self Build Mortgage lenders agree on your loan amount upfront but release the funds in stages. A cashflow forecast is needed to ensure their payment schedule fits your project.
Lenders require detailed plans for the construction, including information on materials, structure, and certification.
Your involvement in the project will be assessed—some lenders allow full DIY involvement, while others have restrictions based on your build and personal circumstances.
Specific build insurances, such as site insurance and structural warranties, are required, with different lenders accepting different providers.
Mayflower offer award winning service
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![Winner badge]()
Best Self Build Mortgage Advisory Firm
Design and Build Awards 2025
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![Finalist badge]()
Best Specialist Broker
Finalist at the 2025 Mortgage Strategy Awards
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![Logo of Financial Reporter featuring a blue laurel wreath surrounding the letters 'fr' and the text 'financial | reporter' beneath it.]()
Best Specialist Broker
Finalist at the 2025 Financial Reporter Awards
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![Gold oval badge for the National Custom & Self Build Association (NACSA) indicating support as a Gold Partner for 2024, with website www.nacsba.org.uk.]()
NaCSBA Gold member
National Custom & Self Build Association
When will funds be released from my Self Build Mortgage?
Funds are released at key project stages, ensuring you have the financing needed for each major phase. The different stages in your self build project will depend on the draw downs specific to your own custom build. The most common examples of stage drawns on a self build mortgage are bricks and block and timber frame.
Bricks & blocks
Land purchase (or remortgage if already owned)
Preliminary costs & foundations
Wall plate level
Wind & watertight
First fix & plastering
Second fix to full completion
Timber frame
Land purchase
Preliminary costs, foundations & frame purchase
Frame erected on site
Wind & watertight
First fix & plastering
Second fix to full completion
Latest Self Build Mortgage Rates
The example self build mortgage rates displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only and are based on current market conditions as of the date 12/03/2025. These self build mortgage rates are subject to change without notice and may not reflect the most current self build mortgage rates available. The actual self build mortgage rate and terms you may be offered will depend on your individual circumstances, including but not limited to your credit rating, loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, construction type, your involvement with the project management and cash flow requirements. The Fees noted have been calculated using a self build mortgage loan of £250,000, fees may vary.
Our simple 6-step process
01. Initial Consultation
Free 30-minute consultation to understand your self-build project and financial requirements
02. Mortgage Research
We research the whole market to find the best self-build mortgage deals for your situation.
03. Application Submission
Complete application with all supporting documents submitted to your chosen lender.
04. Valuation & Survey
Professional valuation of your land and review of building plans by qualified surveyors.
05. Mortgage Offer
Receive your formal mortgage offer with stage payment schedule clearly outlined.
06. Project Launch
Begin your build with confidence, knowing your funding is secured and ready to release.
Self Build Support that saves you time and money
We’ve helped hundreds of Self-Builders and Renovators turn their visions into reality. We understand the challenges that come with building from the ground up. Which is why we offer tailored advice, specialist lending options, and a genuinely supportive service from day one.
✔ Exclusive self-build mortgage products
✔ Pre-CGI visuals to support planning
✔ Quick decisions and practical advice
✔ FREE fully costed schedule of works
✔ Discounts with national merchants, saving you £££’s
✔ Dedicated 1-to-1 advisor throughout
Join hundreds of people trusting Mayflower every year
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I cannot rate the team at Mayflower high enough. I’m self employed so this naturally added to the complexities. Mike saw the application with the chosen lender through, keeping in contact at all times. A huge amount of the stress of the project was borne by Mike and his team, and truly, without their input, I cannot see that I would have secured the funding for my build.
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I called Mayflower on a recommendation as the previous Self-build mortgage broker I had started with were a disorganised mess and frustrated me to no end. I was assigned Glenn Chandler who was excellent all the way through. Got a quick offer away and was super straightforward. I would highly recommend this well organised and professional team.
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The team at Mayflower have been so easy and great to deal with, keeping me updated at every step along the way. Glenn in particular who I dealt with mainly made the process simple and reacted to all my questions and concerns without delay. I will certainly be recommending then to whoever is in the market for a self-build Mortgage. Thanks again. Tom & Donna
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![Google logo with five yellow stars beneath it.]()
Thank you Michelle for your help and support from beginning to completion on our self-build mortgage. it is a different process to residential and you explained all parts of the process really well, helped us get the documents together for the application and followed through every step with reminders as we neared completion. I could not recommend enough!
Self-Builds are complex. But with Mayflower, your mortgage doesn’t have to be.
Working with Mayflower means you get more than a mortgage. You’ll get tailored advice from self-build experts, access to specialist lenders, and ongoing support from the moment you start planning to the day you get your keys.
Start with a free, instant mortgage quote, or book a consultation to speak with our expert team directly.
