Timber frame, masonry, SIPs or ICF? The structure you choose shapes everything from build speed to energy performance.

Before the first brick is laid, the site itself needs careful preparation. A well-organised site can prevent delays, confusion and safety issues. But what does that look like?

Meeting Building Regulations is essential, but who actually checks the work? Inspections happen at key stages throughout your build and it’s important you understand how they work.

Structural floors aren’t something most self-builders think about until they need to. But the system you choose affects strength, insulation and long-term performance.

A plot might look perfect at first glance, but is it actually buildable? Before committing, there are a few key checks that can save you serious money and stress.

Before construction begins, your plans need formal approval under Building Regulations. Here’s how the process works and what to expect along the way.

Foundations are one of the most important structural choices in any build. But what type should you go for? Here’s the five most common types you can choose from.

Planning permission can feel confusing at first. But with the right people in your corner, it can all make a lot more sense. We’ve pulled together all of our top tips, and an overview of how the system works, the routes to approval, and how to create a proposal that councils are far more likely to support.

Estimating build costs accurately is one of the most important early steps in a self-build project. But how can you best do this? We’re here to offer our expert advice on how you can estimate the build costs to start your project off on the right foot.

Project managing a build doesn’t mean you need to be a construction expert but you do need to have lots of responsibility, and with it, lots of skills. So let’s dive into the skills that will help self-builders keep their projects on track.

Land prices can vary dramatically across the UK. So we’re here to break down what really affects land value, from planning permission to location, and how to sense-check whether a plot makes financial sense.

Finding land for a self build can feel impossible. So here at Mayflower Mortgage, we’re here to help you cut through the noise, covering where to look and what to look for. Let’s get into it.

Having your Self Build Mortgage application declined can feel like a major setback, but a rejection doesn’t mean the end of your Self Build journey. We work with lots of clients who’ve come to us after being turned down by a high street lender or general broker. And most of the time it’s because they simply weren’t given the right advice in the first place.

So, if your self build mortgage has been declined, here’s what you need to know, what you should do next, and how to give your application the best possible chance of success.

Building your own home might be your dream, but figuring out how to finance it can definitely be a big challenge. They are assessed differently by lenders and the funds are released in staging throughout the project. And will require a lot more information and detail in your application. To help with your Self Build journey, we’re breaking down the full process step by step, covering how Self Build Mortgages work, what lenders will look for, how your funding will be released, and some of the common mistakes you can avoid.

Barn conversions are a great way to create a unique and character filled home. But as beautiful as the finished project can look, converting a barn is a major project and can quickly become very expensive if you don’t properly plan. We’ve broken down the real costs of a barn conversion, whilst also looking at ways you can keep your budget in check and get the right mortgage for your project.

What exactly do renovation mortgage lenders look for, and how can you improve your chances of getting approved? Whether you’re looking to add an extension, convert a loft or completely restore a derelict property, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before you submit an application to your lender.

Lots of people often mistake Custom Build mortgages and Self Build mortgages for being the same, but there’s big differences between the two. Mainly, a self build mortgage means you’re going to be in charge of everything, from buying the land to managing the project. Whereas in a custom build mortgage, a developer will typically take care of some parts of the process (like site preparation and planning permission), with you still getting an input on the design and layout.