This space-saving Christmas tree is the perfect Christmas decor idea if you’re struggling to fit in a full-sized tree this year.
Many of us find ourselves short on floor space, so this wall-mounted alternative Christmas tree idea is the perfect solution. Made from real foliage, you’ll still get the lush look, feel and scent of a proper fir tree.
This Christmas tree idea is also just the thing if you have naughty pets who like to scale your beautifully decorated spruce. We’re not promising your curious cat or excitable pup won’t end up in the branches, but at least the whole thing won’t come crashing down!
How to make a space-saving Christmas tree
There’s nothing more satisfying than creating your own DIY Christmas decor, so get stuck into this pre-festive project.
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
What you’ll need
Staple gun
Shears
Saw
Wood
Foliage (real or faux)
Command Strips
Lights and decorations
1. Saw the wood
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
‘Use a saw to cut the wood into five pieces. These should measure 1m, 80cm, 60cm, 40cm and 20cm in length.’ The team at christmastrees.co.uk used pinewood battens measuring 6cm in width.
2. Attach Command Strips
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
Attach the Command Strips to one side of the wooden battens. ‘Don’t peel off the paper from the side that will be added to the wall at this stage.’
The two longer pieces of wood will require six pairs of Command strips each. ‘We’ve used two multi-packs, each containing eight pairs of large and four pairs of medium strips.’
Use the shears to cut the foliage from the branches into smaller pieces.
‘We’ve used Noble Fir foliage, which you can usually find from a florist. You could also use Nordmann Fir, or even find an undesirable real Christmas tree and cut that up.’
Of course, you can use faux foliage pieces, from dismantling a garland. You could even use lengths of tinsel, to create a kitsch version of this fairy light Christmas tree.
4. Staple the foliage to the wood
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
Staple the foliage onto the pieces of wood using a staple gun. Continue until it is fully covered on one side. Repeat for each piece of wood.
5. Arrange your tree on the floor
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
Layout your tree on the floor to check you’re happy with it. If there are areas looking a littler thin, then add more foliage. Prune back any areas that don’t look symmetrical.
‘This is the time to also get an idea of spacing. Work out how much space you’d like between the ‘branches’. Ours is 15cm between each row.’
6. Attach your tree to the wall
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
Remove the backs of the Command Strips on the reverse side of the wooden battens. Attach to the wall. Start with the largest branch at the bottom. Use a spirit level to make sure they’re straight and space them out evenly. Nobody wants a wonky tree!
7. Decorate your space-saving Christmas tree
Image credit: christmastrees.co.uk
Now comes the fun part! Wind fairy lights along the branches. We used battery powered mini lights with 100 LEDs measuring 5 metres in length.
Add fun hanging decorations from the branches. If they’re handmade, then even better! This may even be the start of a new family Christmas tree trend.
Mark Rofe, owner of christmastrees.co.uk says, ‘We love Christmas trees, but understand that not everyone has the room for one. So we’ve created this guide for people that still want the look, touch, feel and smell of a real tree, without compromising on living space.
‘The great thing about the space saving tree is that you can make it using foliage from an undesired Christmas tree, one that is wonky, unsymmetrical, that has gaps, or is otherwise considered ‘ugly’ and transform it into a beautiful wall mounted tree.’
We spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, so if that isn’t a good reason to decorate our boudoirs for the holidays then what is?! Using one of these Christmas bedroom decorating ideas means that you’ll be filled with festive joy from the moment you open your eyes in the morning, to when you nestle all snug in your bed. We can’t guarantee visions of sugarplums, but it’s more than possible.
Experiment with your Christmas ideas this year and lavish seasonal decor in your bedrooms, playing with a different scheme in each. Perhaps you need a restful master, a fun-filled kid’s room and a welcoming guest room for friends and family.
Christmas bedroom decorating ideas
From the simple addition of a stylish wreath to a full blown Santa’s Grotto, read on to discover our absolute favourite ways to play with Christmas bedroom decor this December…
Stick to a fairly neutral palette, using colours inspired by nature – warm tans, creamy whites and energising ochres. A simple garland or festive bunting in cohesive shades will add a sophisticated but subtle touch of Noël style.
Make sure you layer up textiles to the hilt, too. Comfort is King here. Pile on cushions and pillows, and a couple of chunky throws to keep you warm no matter how chilly it gets outdoors.
2. Add seasonal foliage
Image credit: Future PLC
A little foliage can go a long way in celebrating the season in a bedroom. Attach a wreath above your bed to set the scene as soon as you walk in the room. Stick to a faux option, as the last thing you want to be doing is replacing dried up sprigs while trying to keep your sheets clear of any mess.
A simple vase beside the bed is the perfect place to use real foliage. Mix and match seasonal pieces – fire, eucalyptus, pussy willow, winter berries….- and switch out regularly to keep things fresh. A thin wire of battery powered Christmas lights, or a few tiny baubles will finish the festive look.
3. Create Santa’s Grotto
Image credit: Future PLC
Whether it’s for a child, or someone who’s just a child at heart, a full-blown Santa’s Grotto is a lovely Christmas bedroom decorating idea to explore.
Keep red as the dominant colour in the room, and layer up wreaths and garlands wherever you can. The headboard, above the bed, the window sill – all fair game. Even if it’s not Christmas Eve, get that stocking out to get that Christmas countdown anticipation building. If people can be trusted to keep their hands to themselves, a few presents can even be kept in the room, too.
4. Indulge in a winter wonderland
Image credit: Future PLC
A frosty, winter inspired scheme is a wonderfully evocative way to dress a bedroom for Christmas. Whites, greys and icy blues should by far become your primary colour choices.
The thing you do need to keep an eye on here is the look becoming cold – not what you want when trying to snuggle down in the evening. Prevent this by keeping an eye on your texture choices. Tufted pillows, furry cushions, velvet throws will all bring that sense of welcoming warmth even when in the iciest of shades.
Finally, remember that candlelight always warms up a room’s appearance. Keep away from textiles or switch to a LED version if you’re concerned about falling asleep with candles aglow.
Get those reds and whites going aplenty. For a slightly more folky take on traditional, switch out the typical green for a deep blue.
6. Set the scene with a mural
Image credit: Future PLC
If you’re willing to make a bigger change to your bedroom for your holidays, then consider using a mural wall. There are as many versions of these as you can imagine, but a snowy woodland scene is an especially elegant option.
Many of these types of murals can be applied and then taken down, but make sure you find one which serves your purposes – if you don’t want a festive wall year round, it’s best to speak to your supplier before you buy.
7. Display an advent calendar
Image credit: Future PLC
With alternative advent calendars taking over our feeds, we’re constantly looking for new places to display them. While many of these become part of Christmas living room decor, the bedroom is an under-utilised zone. After all, what could be better than waking up to a touch of chocolate? It is Christmas, after all…
8. Create a restful retreat
Image credit: Neptune
Not every bedroom needs to hammer home the Christmas theme. Sometimes, what you need to create instead is a place to step back and rest and relax from the madness of the season.
Layers of cushions and blankets will keep the scheme warm and cosy for the winter, but you don’t need to add in any seasonal bedding. For just the perfect touch of Christmas, hang an empty frame on the wall and weave foliage through to create a perfectly simple decorative detail.
9. Dress a cabin bed
Image credit: Future PLC
If you’re lucky enough to have a bedroom tucked away in a nook in the eaves of a home, you have a wealth of opportunities to decorate come Christmas.
A pretty garland or string of bunting can be strung from the ceiling – but make sure to bear in mind where the cabin bed’s curtain is, if it’s in active use. For a bigger change, you can even switch out the curtain for winter with a heavier material in a festive print or colour.
10. Dress the headboard
Image credit: John Lewis
You don’t have to go crazy with the tinsel and toys to make a bedroom feel festive. A fresh garland of foliage will do the trick – and will give off a fragrance that will soothe you to sleep. Just be sure to secure it properly.
No one wants to wake up to a face full of pine needles! Be sure to use faux mistletoe if you have young children or animals as the berries are poisonous. Enhance the grown-up, woodland style with stylish and simple Stag print bedlinen.
11. Say it with words
Image credit: Wilko
Another subtle way to decorate is with some festive typography. However, for a tasteful take, steer clear of the obvious ‘Merry Christmas’ and instead choose a word or phrase that references the season subtly. That way, you can leave it hanging all year round.
The same goes for your colour scheme – green, red and white are Christmassy colours but country classics out of season too.
12. Conjure up a rustic Christmas
Image credit: Next
Ensure a warm welcome to a guest bedroom by dressing wood panelled walls with rustic Christmas decorations. Start by making an inexpensive garland by hanging salt-dough stars to a simple length of twine-look string lights. Then add simple vases of real fur foliage to the night-stand. Include vintage-style extras like a brass candle stick and a stack of well-love books.
Ensure the best Christmas Eve night’s sleep with brushed chambray cotton bed linen that is printed with a fun family of forest bears and that is as snuggly as fur.
13. Style a festive display of candles
Image credit: B&M Stores
Why not decorate windowsills with a few festive candles to help set the Christmas mood? Arrange cream pillar candles and tea lights at different heights in rustic votives and candle holders. Tie the display together and enhance the glow by twisting Led micro lights in and out the candles along the surface.
Finish by popping a trio of matching candles on the nightstand. If fire-safety is a concern, replace naked flames with realistic, flickering flame, LED versions.
14. Give your bedroom chic chalet style
Image credit: Next
A wintery white and grey scheme is easy to update when December comes. A few artfully draped garlands of real greenery and some layered-up cosy throws are all you need.
For a minimalist alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, hang baubles and decorations from a large potted house plant instead.
15. Introduce homely touches
Image credit: B&M Stores
Make sure your guests feel part of the celebrations on Christmas Eve and pop a stocking by their beds that matches the bedroom scheme. Fill with a few small gifts for them to open on Christmas morning, such as chocolates or a magazine.
16. Wake up to twinkling Christmas bedroom lights
Image credit: B&M Stores
Create a sumptuous setting with a luxurious four-poster bed set against a winter grey panelled backdrop. Pile up with faux fur throws, cushions and textured linens and frame the bedposts with pre-lit garlands.
17. Keep it sweet and simple
Image credit: Simon Whitmore
Revel in the romance of dressing your bedroom come Christmas-time with a dramatic mix of sumptuous velvet and twinkly sequins in blush pink and pewter. Embellished cushions up the glamour stakes and can be used all year round.
For extra wow, plump for sequin and velvet cushions and throws that have extra little details, such as an ornate border or pom-pom edging.
18. Make it magical with sugar and spice
Image credit: George Home
Give a girl’s bedroom a touch of Christmas glamour with sweet, candy canes printed on pink bedlinen. Layer up the sugary looks with plush throws and cushions in rosy tones. Add to the opulence with shimmering Christmas decorations displayed on the bedside table. Finish the fanciful looks with a sequinned stocking encrusted with sparkling spangles.
19. Wind down for a winter night
Image credit: Dunelm
Who says you can only have a Christmas tree in the living room. A petite version enhances this Christmas bedroom’s winter solstice style. Encapsulate the woodland charm with a forest green feature wall and bedlinen printed with friendly wild-creatures of the night.
20. Make a children’s room special
Image credit: Wilko
Add a little Christmas spirit to children’s’ rooms. A handful of colourful accessories can make a huge difference to little ones. Hang a string of pom pom lights above the bed – they will make a magical alternative to a table lamp. Take care where you secure them as you don’t want them to fall down. Look for battery-powered designs that won’t rely on a socket being nearby.
Use the shelves as a display space for Christmas toys. Here a knitted Christmas stocking has been pinned to the home-work desk, while a matching paper festoon garland picks out the bright bedding. How will you be decorating your Christmas bedroom?
How can I make my bedroom feel Christmassy?
There are so many ways you can decorate your bedroom for Christmas to create the perfect festive space. One way is to use seasonal foliage, either with a wreath hung above the bed or a garland on shelving, headboard or windowsill. Festive bedding is a fun touch, too, so either look for full-blown duvet sets or just sub in a few cushions and a throw in a Christmas colourway. Piles of presents, stockings, fairy lights and advent calendars all help set the festive scene.
Can I put a Christmas tree in a bedroom?
If anything, you’re practically expected to put Christmas trees in bedrooms these days! Don’t worry about going for a large real Christmas tree, and instead choose an artificial Christmas tree or a mini version. Use these trees to really show off individual personalities, keeping the main tree in the living room as a more tailored, considered tree for all the family to enjoy together.
Yes, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have both passed for 2021, however, who’s to say that you can’t still score a bargain? Not us, that’s for sure. This sale season we witnessed some pretty incredible deals sell out, from the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser that was just £89.99 at Amazon to the Our Place Always Pan that for £85, instead of £125 – all weekend long. That and mattresses, vacuum cleaners, coffee machines and furniture was all on sale at competitively low prices.
Whether you missed your chance to take advantage of the deals, or perhaps you were waiting for payday? Either way, there are still some discounts that are still live. Yes, you read that right. Our team of deal hunters have been scouring the web for the top remaining Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for your home so that you needn’t waste any time. Hurry as these deals could change at any time.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday home sales – quick links
Prefer to do your sale shopping on your own? Use these quick links below to jump straight to Amazon, Very or wherever else, to shop the sales still live now.
The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday home deals for today
These are the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that are live today, as chosen by the experts at Ideal Home.
Ooni Fyra 12 | £249 £199.20 (save £49.80) at Ooni
One of our favourites for wood-fired pizza, the Fyra is now £50 off when you shop direct from Ooni. It’s got a sleek black finish that will look the part in any outdoor kitchen.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, Contour Silver | £549 £391.05 (save £157.95) at Amazon
Save nearly 30% on the classic Artisan with this limited-time Amazon deal. It’s only available in the classic silver shade, but it’s the best deal of the Black Friday stand mixer deals so far.
House Beautiful 6ft Beauly Pine Pre-lit Artificial Christmas Tree | £130 £97 (save £33) at Homebase
Score 25% off this lovely Christmas tree from Homebase. It’s part of House Beautiful’s collection and it arrives pre-lit for your convenience. Dig out your baubles and your topper and you’re sorted. For less than £100, you won’t find a better bargain than this.
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser | £105.95 £89.99 (save £16.69) at Currys
These have already sold out on Amazon, and stocks are selling fast at Currys!Buy this for the chocolate fan in your life and they will never forget it. It makes the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste at home, in two-and-a-half minutes. This set comes with a flavour kit including all the sachets you could wish for when picking your favourite. A great pick for gifting! The best artificial Christmas trees for 2021
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | £39.99 £18.99 (save £21) at Amazon A perfect Christmas present for Nan, for someone who loves their smart tech or for using in your home office. An Echo Dot can make your life easier by adding to your shopping list, telling you when someone is at your front door and even turning on your robot vacuum cleaner.
Amazon Beauty Advent Calendar 2021 | £70 £39.99 (save £30.01) at Amazon
Amazon’s beauty advent calendar, as we explain in our guide, is one of the best around for this year. Inside you’ll find products from brands such as Neal’s Yard, Real Techniques, Foreo and even Aussie and Faith in Nature.
TASSIMO by Bosch Style TAS1107GB Coffee Machine | £79.99 £29 (save £50.99) at Currys PC World
A bargain price to pay for a pod coffee machine, especially one that looks this good – it even comes in several colours. It’s compact to fit nicely on your kitchen worktop, plus it boasts auto shut-off for those mornings when you’re in a rush.
Blueair Blue Pure 221 Air Purifier | £349 £225 (save £124) at Amazon
The larger version of our beloved Blueair Blue Pure air purifier range is 36% off at Amazon today, saving you an amazing £124. The purifier is suitable for rooms up to 50m2, promising to remove everything from pollen and dust to mould and viruses.
Jerry Jumbo Cord Cocktail Sofa | £175 £150 (save £25) at Homebase
A cheap price to pay for a sofa, this one is brilliant for a small room such as a spare bedroom or games room. It sits on angled wooden feet and is wrapped in a stylish grey cord fabric.
Monaco Firepit | £39.99 £24.99 (save £15) at Robert Dyas
A cheap price to pay for a fire pit, this way you can enjoy your outside space even when the temperatures drop. Place it in the middle of your garden furniture and heat it up when guests come over. It even boasts a black finish and sits on three legs for a luxury look.
BISSELL PowerFresh SlimSteam 2234E |£159.99 £99.99 (save £60) at Currys
The PowerFresh SlimSteam 2234E really impressed us with its thoughtfully designed tool carrier and nifty design, which works in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner.
The Black Friday mattress offers may have been and gone, but what’s to say you can’t score a bargain after Black Friday? Though this is definitely the smartest time of year to invest in a new mattress, here are some offers (and cheap prices) live today.
Whether it’s one of the best sofas, a brand new bed frame or perhaps it’s new bedside tables that you want to buy? It’s all below. You can shop deals – and affordable buys – via our clever price comparison widgets.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday vacuum cleaner offers
We can help you bag the top vacuum for a cheaper price, to help you save heaps of money. Not sure which vacuum cleaner you want to buy? We’ve listed plenty of choices below, from the likes of Shark, Eufy and more, so that you can find the best option for you, whether you live in a 5-bed, a studio, or it’s a robot vacuum cleaner you want so that you don’t have to lift a finger.
Shark IZ300UK | £399 £229 (save £170.99) at Amazon
One of our favourite vacuum cleaners is now reduced at Amazon. We love the Flexology design that makes it easy to reach under furniture, and it’s got a great control panel that switches from hard floor to carpet with ease.
Gtech AirRAM and Multi Upright and Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | £299.99 £199.99 (save £100) at Argos
A classic convertible handheld vacuum from Gtech, the AirRAM is one of the most popular models on the market. It’s got a smart brush-head that works across carpets and hard floors.
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ801UKTSB] | £379.99 £179.98 (save £200.01) at Amazon
Save 53% off this Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ801UKTSB] when you shop on Amazon. It’s able to adapt into a portable vacuum for getting into stairs and the interior of cars, and the lift-away technology will leave your floors spotless.
Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner [ICZ300UK] | £399 £278.99 (save £121) at Amazon
It’s the same as the ICZ300UKT, but without the pet attachment, so if you like the sound of the vacuum but aren’t fussed about the added pet attachment this is a top deal with a £121 discount.
Beko PowerClean| £299.99 £229 (save £70.99) at Amazon
We seriously love this five-star vacuum from Beko. It’s got different power levels and can flex easily to reach under the furniture. With some major power, it’s amazing value.
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (Single Battery) [WV200UK] | £129.99 £99.99 (save £30) at Shark
A kitchen essential, this handheld vac easily deals with crumbs and dry food spills on worktops and tables. It’s also perfect for picking up pet hair throughout your home. One drawback is the run-time. At just eight minutes a charge, you may need a cleaner that has longer battery life. The best handheld vacuums to buy this Black Friday
The kitchen deals are always incredible during Black Friday – and these offers are still live today. By kitchen deals we mean offers on anything from the best toasters to air fryers, slow cookers, top kettles, coffee machines plus lots more.
Ninja BN800UK Food Processor With 4 Accessories – Black / Silver | £199 £130 (save £69) at AO.com
Tried and loved by us, this kitchen system comes with a food processor attachment as well as a generous multi-serve blender pitcher and a single-serve bullet blending cup. It’s now £69 off for Black Friday.
Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine | £59.99 £42.99 (save £17) Amazon Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this chic white machine has a programmable timer so you can wake up to 12 cups of fresh coffee, and a reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour. See our best coffee machines guide for more great buys – as reviewed by us
KITCHENAID Artisan 5KSM125BMH Stand Mixer| £499 £399 (save £100) at Currys
Currys is showing up with the Black Friday savings, and we’re particularly impressed by this £100 discount on the KitchenAid Artisan in a classic milkshake shade. It’s hard enough to find the Artisan in stock once Black Friday gets started, so finding it with a £100 discount is pretty special. Check out our best stand mixers guide for more expert suggestions
Black Friday was on the 26th of November. Some of these deals are still live now, just be quick. Next year, Black Friday 2022 is on the 25th of November.
When is Cyber Monday in 2021?
Cyber Monday was on the 29th of November. A few deals are still live right now, and Cyber Monday 2022 is on the 28th of November. So mark your calendars…
What is Black Friday?
A tradition in the United States since the fifties, Black Friday is an epic sale day that sees shops slash their prices to encourage Christmas shopping. Asda and Amazon brought Black Friday to the UK in 2010 and other brands followed suit, but bunfights over bargains in some stores have led it to become mostly an online affair over here.
Black Friday – everything else you need to know
Are the bargains as good as they seem?
There are some great deals – last year we spotted cheap Nespresso machines, budget-friendly mattresses and even a Miele vacuum at less than half price. However, some retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out old stock, or even increase the prices of items beforehand to make the deals look better on the day.
How can I avoid being ripped off on Black Friday?
‘It’s easy to get carried away, so make a list of what you want in advance,’ advises Danny Munday, general manager of HotUKDeals. It also pays to read reviews and compare prices of the models you like, so you know you’re getting a genuine deal. ‘Check the shipping costs before you order, too,’ adds Danny. ‘Some brands charge so much for postage, it cancels out any savings.’
Will my Black Friday purchases arrive by Christmas?
It’s not guaranteed, so check the estimated delivery times and factor in a few extra days on top. Due to the number of people shopping at the same time, some parcels may take longer to arrive than usual.
How long have I got to get these promotions?
Some deals sell out in seconds, so be ready to make a quick decision and have your card details to hand.
Fingers crossed, you can grab yourself some bargains. Good luck!
Thinking of building your own home? It’s a huge task but one that can be hugely rewarding if you get it right. You’ll get the property you actually want, and you may be able to save substantial sums. The big question is how to fund a self -build home – as it’s hard to know where to start?
So, you’ve financed a kitchen remodel and nailed it. Then, project managed a double extension with ease. Perhaps the next stage is to look into building your dream home yourself. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds when you know how to fund a self build and implement the custom construction, with the right Property advice. Plus – you won’t have to take a course in bricklaying either.
How to fund a self build
‘It’s important to know that a self-build home is really a self-commissioned home; one where the design and specifications are chosen by the occupant,’ says Andrew Baddely-Chappel, CEO, National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA).
‘They generally make the decisions rather than do the work themselves. Although many also do parts of the process such as project management and sometimes part of the physical build too. The more you do the more you can save. Most self-builders end up with better homes for less money than if they’d purchased the finished home from a developer.’
Image credit: Complete Oak Home
Still, you will need to plan the funding of your self-build carefully. There are lots of different options when it comes to funding a self build home.
Using you savings
If you’ve been able to build up a substantial pot of savings to fund your self-build, you will want to be sure the cash is held in a bank or building society account that offers security, as well as a competitive rate of interest.
‘We put our money into National Savings Income Bonds when we self-built our home,’ says Mark Brinkley, author of House Builders Bible. ‘A Government backed scheme felt more secure to us. Premium Bonds are another good option as you can draw the money down when you need it.’
Whatever you’ve calculated your costs to be, it’s vital to have a contingency fund on top of around 15-20%. ‘It’s hard to get fixed priced costs from builders at the moment due to shortages of supplies and labour,’ says Brinkley.
‘It’s currently a fluid situation and your contingency could be swallowed up by unforeseen build costs. Although, usually it’s below ground costs that can eat into a budget. You never quite know what the foundations will be until you “break ground”. The difference between a straight floor foundation and a complicated one can be tens of thousands of pounds. You have more control above ground as you can change the spec as you approach the end and choose the fittings.’
If you want to top up savings, with equity in an existing home, you can opt for a bridging loan, which is paid off once the property is sold. ‘We can help self builders up to 80-years-old, who are often looking to build to down size,’ says Mike Pawley, a director of Mayflower Mortgage & Finance. ‘Bridging loans on a main residence are regulated and capped at 12 months.’
Image credit: Pottons
Selling your current home
If you’re selling your existing property, remember you will need to pay for both the house being built and for somewhere to live during the build. This can cause a temporary squeeze on finances.
Some people opt to live ‘on-site’ (in a caravan) to save money, but this may not appeal or be possible. Or, renting is an option. ‘It may be necessary to sign a long-term tenancy contract even if you only need the house for a shorter period.’ says Baddely-Chappel of the NaCSBA (National custom & self build Association). ‘You may need to move during the build so be prepared and aim to live light, with as much as possible in storage.’
The upside is that any equity made on the property sale will be at your disposal. ‘With a self build you will typically pay for the build in stages and potentially use many different parties for different parts of the work. This means that you need to have money readily available often in one place,’ says Baddely-Chappel.
‘This may exceed the FSCS protected limit of £85,000 (the Government-backed compensation scheme that pays out if you lose money because of a bank failure), but there is protection for up to £1m for six months on “temporary high balances” from real estate transactions.’
Taking out a self-build mortgage
Specialist self-build mortgages are available with lenders who understand the build process. They differ from standard mortgages and as the risk is much higher to the lender, they’ll need more detail about you and your project.
‘Self-build lenders want full details and a cost breakdown of the project, with a build schedule. They’ll need to know who’s managing the project, the construction type, what the property is and what warranties are in place.’ says Mike Pawley.
‘Fundamentally, they want to be confident the project is ‘completable’, and to ensure the cash flow position of the client is positive throughout the build before they agreed to fund.’
Borrowing amounts are similar to standard mortgages, although larger sums are available. Lenders will look at your earnings when considering what they will offer.
‘Most self-build lenders cap their income multiple assessments at 4.5. Although, we have access to lenders that will use 5.5 times income for clients earning over £75,000,’ says Pawley. ‘Around half of lenders will value the plot when requested by the client and release funds based on the works completed. The other half will normally release at milestone stages of the build.’
Pawley adds: ‘If the land is already owned by the clients, we could fund 100% of build cost. Ideally 25% of the overall project costs (land and build) from the client will keep mortgage options open. Although we have relationships with lenders that will fund with as little as 15% deposit of the total project costs.’
Image credit: Andrew Blacks Design
How is self-build funding looking for 2022?
‘Very positive. The Government (in England) is about to launch its Self and Custom Build Action plan, which includes Help to Build. The scheme allows individuals to build their own home with just a 5% deposit (if it’s the only home you’ll own),’ says the NaCSBA’s Baddely-Chappel.
