Understand your position
We review your goals, income, commitments, deposit or equity and timescale.
SPECIALIST PROPERTY FINANCE
Self-build mortgages
Funding structured around your land purchase and staged construction costs. Speak to an adviser who will assess your full circumstances, not just a headline number.
No obligation · Initial conversation does not affect your credit score
Written and reviewed by Smart Mortgages specialistsReviewed 21 August 2026 · FCA reference 912358
How we help with self-build mortgages
Finding the right funding is about more than comparing rates. Property type, rental or trading income, experience, valuation and ownership structure can all change the outcome.
Compare suitable options
We assess lender criteria, overall cost and suitability, not only the initial rate.
Manage the application
Your adviser and case manager keep the lender, valuation and legal process moving.
Fund the build in planned stages
A self-build mortgage releases funds around the land purchase and construction stages rather than as one standard advance. The budget, planning position and schedule need to work together from the outset.
Land and planning
Review ownership, planning permission, access and whether the site is acceptable security.
Stage payments
Understand when funds are released and whether payments are made in advance or arrears.
Build budget
Allow for professional fees, contingencies and costs beyond the contractor quotation.
Final mortgage
Plan the route onto an appropriate residential mortgage after certification and completion.
Your Smart Mortgages contact
Aaron or Tennielle will assess the project and route it to the appropriate specialist.
Fund the build in planned stages FAQs
Do I need planning permission before applying?
Requirements vary, but lenders will normally need a clear planning and build position before committing funds.
Can I live in another property during the build?
Potentially, but the cost of existing housing and borrowing will form part of the affordability assessment.
How much contingency should I hold?
There is no universal figure. Your budget should allow for overruns and the lender will review whether the project remains viable.
Specialist knowledge that can make the difference
Our team regularly works with self-builds, stage payments and development finance. If a lender or another broker has already said no, that does not always mean there is no route forward. We can review your circumstances and whether a different lender or structure may be appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow?
It depends on the property, income or rent, deposit or equity, experience, credit profile and lender policy. We provide a case-specific assessment.
Does an initial conversation affect my credit score?
No. An initial discussion with our team does not involve a lender credit search.
Can you help throughout the UK?
Yes. Our branches cover Northern Ireland and Scotland, and we advise clients across the UK.