Weekend Property Update: DIY example

INDIVIDUALS construct more than 12,000 homes a year for themselves, but self-build is unlikely to make a significant impact on shortages in the near future, says a study by the Sussex University Centre for Urban and Regional Research.

In France, most private-sector homes are self-built because individuals buy from specialist companies rather than going it completely alone. Such a system would be impossible in the UK because of high land prices, lack of subsidies and the poor productivity and innovative ability of builders, says research leader Dr James Barlow.