The Scottish Government has provided a time limited fund to assist self or custom builders finance the construction period for their new home. CHT administers the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. In March 2021, Scottish ministers extended the Fund for another year due to delays brought about by the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, and ongoing need. 

The fund runs from the 1 September 2018 to the extended deadline of 31 August 2022 and is open to applications from individuals who have been unable to obtain mainstream self-build mortgage finance, but who will be able to repay the loan by 31 August 2023. The maximum loan available stands at £175,000.

We have so far supported 21 couples, families and individuals build their own homes in 10 Local Authority areas: Aberdeen-shire, Arygll & Bute, Ayrshire, Highland, Perth & Kinross, Lanarkshire, Western Isles, Orkney, Falkirk, and Stirling, with many more to come. Read their self-build stories and impacts of the Fund here.

Want to know more?

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Have a question? 

Check out our SBLF Frequently Asked Questions or alternatively get in touch with our Self Build Loan Officer, Neil Walker :
​tel - 01463 572 030  |  email - selfbuild@chtrust.co.uk
The privacy notice relating to the fund can be downloaded here. 
Full details on the scheme are given in the brochure.  Please complete the form below to download the brochure:
A summary of the information required during the Loan Fund application process:
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  • Demonstrate that you have been unable to obtain mainstream self-build mortgage finance for a new home (not a conversion or extension); and 
  • Intend to occupy the property as your sole and only residence; and
  • Own a house plot (including a de-crofted site); and
  • Have Full Planning Permission in place and be ready to apply for a Building Warrant; and​
  • Have a defined elemental build cost and construction programme; and​
  • Be able to demonstrate that you will be able to repay the loan upon completion of your build.

If you meet the criteria above please contact us for a Stage One Application Form

Get in touch:

Phone : 01463 572 030  |  Email : selfbuild@chtrust.co.uk​
Address:
7 Ardross Terrace
Inverness
​IV3 5NQ
The Self-Build Loan Fund is administered by Communities Housing Trust (CHT) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Any loans agreed will be between the borrower and the Scottish Government. The loan takes the form of a standard security over your house site.  Your house is at risk should you not repay the loan within the agreed time period. Please seek independent financial or mortgage advice prior to proceeding with an application.​​

Need and impacts of the Self-Build Loan Fund

​In February 2021, we prepared a one-page briefing paper about the growing need for the Fund, and its impacts so far. Download it below:
CHT Self Build Loan Fund Briefing Paper Feb 2021.pdf
File Size: 670 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Since 2018 when the Fund began, we’ve seen growing demand for the Self-Build Loan Fund. As the housing situation nationally has become more challenging due to Brexit and Covid, and banks are still not lending widely for self-builds, we’ve seen an increasing trend in interest in the Fund over 2020, rising by 153%.[1]

Although the total fund is £4 million, we expect to provide £5.1 million in loans to applications received by August 2021. This includes ‘recycling’ loans already repaid, to finance additional builds. 

References
[1] Figure of 153% is based on trends in Loan Fund brochure downloads on the CHT website since beginning of 2020. 
[2] Figure of £7 million supporting the Scottish economy is based on average construction cost (Feb 2021) of £199,000 x 35 anticipated homes.
[3] Figure of 250 jobs is based on 7 FTE jobs per 35 anticipated construction projects. ​

Self-Build Loan Fund Gallery

As well as picture inspiration of some of the self-builds so far, make sure to read the self-build stories and testimonials too!
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