A home: far more than bricks and mortar

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, people are now spending an average of 95 percent of their time within their home, making its role far more significant. This ‘new normal’ has allowed many homeowners to think about whether their space still works for them - especially as our homes are now having to play multiple roles as both an office, a school, a playground, and hopefully a place to relax at the end of the day.

For those who find that their home is no longer fit for purpose, it may be time to consider a change once lockdown ends. Yet, with many housing developments offering nothing more than off the shelf, cookie-cutter style homes, many homeowners are struggling to feel inspired by the new build property market. Luckily, there is a solution in the form of custom building, a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, offering a level of choice and personalisation that is hard to find in a standard new build home. 

Developments such as Graven Hill, a custom and self-build site in Bicester, are increasingly looking to custom building as the answer to an uninspiring property market, putting control back into the hands of the buyer. However, unlike a self-build project, there is no need to get involved with the construction of the build.  

The sooner each buyer gets involved in the planning and building process, the more choice they have when it comes to layout, fixtures and fittings. Once they have decided on their perfect home, a team of professionals then get to work to make it a reality. 

Whether a dedicated office space is top of the priority list or the dream has always been to have a modern, open-plan kitchen, each custom build home has the requirements and personality of the homeowner at its heart. Compromise is a common term associated with the house buying process, but this no longer has to be the case. 

In addition, affordability need not be a concern either, with buyers able to finance their custom build home through a standard mortgage process. Even first-time buyers whose searches may have been thwarted by lockdown can own a unique property, as all Graven Hill’s custom build homes are eligible for the Help to Buy scheme. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to reveal a lot about our homes and how we use them. For those who feel that their current home no longer suits their needs, custom building may be the ideal step forward, allowing young professionals, couples and families alike to purchase a home that is truly personal to them.  

Karen Curtin, managing director, Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community.