Resources for small builders

• The Self Build portal is for individuals or groups looking to take on the development of their own homes
• Build It includes a list of self-build mortgages to help with the cost of buying a site and carrying out construction
• Sign up to the GLA’s self-build register to help local authorities assess demand for self-build.

The Mayor is supporting the new Community-led Housing London Hub. This will be closely coordinated with our programme for small sites.

Community-led organisations can also get help and support from national bodies in the Community-led Housing Alliance such as:

• National Community Land Trust Network
• UK Cohousing Network
• Confederation of Co-operative Housing

• The Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme 2016-21 provides funding to help housing associations, community groups, and private developers build new affordable homes in London.
• The G320 group of London’s smaller Housing Associations may be able to take on the management and ownership of affordable housing in small developments, as well as being directly involved in development.

• The Government’s Home Building Fund offers loan finance for private sector organisations building new homes, including community-led housing organisations.
• The Housing Growth Partnership is a government equity finance scheme backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the Homes and Communities Agency.

These bodies should be able to help you find commercial finance for development:

• UK Finance
• National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
• Association of Short Term Lenders
• Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA)
• Development Finance Today has an Index of Lenders.

‘Social impact lenders’ work closely with community-led housing bodies and affordable housing providers. They include:

• Charity Bank
• Triodos Bank
• Unity Trust Bank
• CAF Venturesome
• Housing Finance Corporation

• The Planning Portal has support, information and advice on all stages of the planning process.
• It can be a good idea to contact the local planning department and ask for pre-application advice, although fees may be associated with this.
• Better Connected is a practical guide to utilities for home builders with advice on what to expect from utility providers and how to get the best result.

• The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) helps with training, including grants and funding for apprenticeships.
• The London Growth Hub includes several general business support programmes.

Professional bodies may be able to outline parts of the development process and help find professionals:

• Royal Institute of British Architects
• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
• Royal Town Planning Institute
• various engineering bodies

• The Government Property Finder lists other Government land in several sizes, available for sale on a variety of terms.
• And of course there are a range of agents and auctions marketing sites.