The Self Builders Podcast

Mayflower Mortgage

The Self Builders Podcast is a practical, straight‑talking podcast for anyone planning, funding, or building their own home. Hosted by industry experts who work with self‑builders every day, the podcast breaks down the real‑world challenges of self‑build projects — from finding land and securing planning permission, to understanding build costs, managing cashflow, and getting the right finance in place. Each episode features honest conversations with professionals across the self‑build journey, including architects, planners, surveyors, lenders, and self‑builders themselves. We cut through the jargon, bust common myths, and share lessons learned from real projects — including what went wrong, what worked, and what we’d do differently next time. Whether you’re at the early “dreaming and research” stage, already own a plot, or are mid‑build and feeling the pressure, The Self Builders Podcast is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical insight to move your project forward. No sales fluff. No theory. Just real advice for real self‑builders.

  1. 2d ago

    Two self-builds in four years!?

    What happens when you finally build your dream home… and realise it still isn’t the life you wanted? In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, our host Jack speaks to Lindsay about the emotional and financial reality of building not one, but two self-build homes in just four years. From navigating material price spikes during COVID, mortgage challenges with ICF construction, and living on-site in a touring caravan, to eventually creating a modern eco home in the middle of the Welsh countryside, this episode covers it all. Especially why their first build, despite being beautiful, ultimately forced a difficult decision, and how the experience completely changed the way they approached their second project. We cover: Why their first self build became financially unsustainableThe mortgage issues they faced building with ICF during COVIDLessons learned from managing two self build projectsWhy getting finance sorted early changes everythingLiving in a caravan while building on-siteHow they created an ultra-efficient eco home with low running costsThe hidden costs self builders often missWhy contingency budgets matter far more than people thinkHonest advice for anyone currently mid-build or planning their first project This is a refreshingly honest conversation about the side of self building people don’t always talk about: the stress, compromises, financial pressure, and emotional decisions behind creating a home that genuinely works for your life. Brought to you by Mayflower Mortgage & Finance. Helping self-builders navigate the financial side of their projects with confidence.   📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources   #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject   The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    34 min
  2. May 25

    Planning loopholes self-builders may not know about

    Finding self build land is hard enough. Finding land you can actually get planning permission on? Even harder. In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks to Chartered Architect Caroline Martin about the three-year journey her family has been on to secure land for a very personal self-build project. What started as a search for a home that could support their son’s independence has evolved into a complex nine-dwelling planning application involving flood zones, archaeology, nutrient neutrality, overage clauses, and one planning policy that most self builders have never heard of. Caroline shares how understanding the government’s “Tilted Balance” planning policy opened up opportunities on land that most buyers and developers had overlooked, and why some of the best self build opportunities are often the sites that seem too difficult at first glance. This episode covers: What the “Tilted Balance” policy actually meansHow to identify land with hidden planning potentialWhy some rejected or difficult plots can become opportunitiesThe reality of dealing with archaeology, phosphates and flood riskHow Caroline is funding a multi-generational self build projectPractical advice for navigating planning objections and local politicsWhat self builders should look for before buying land If you’ve struggled to find land, felt overwhelmed by planning, or assumed certain plots were impossible to develop, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how experienced professionals approach the process, and what everyday self builders can learn from it. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources   #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject   The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    38 min
  3. May 18

    From farmland to a family home

    Building your own home sounds exciting. But what is it actually like once you’re in it? In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, Jack sits down with Rebekah to talk through the reality of her self-build journey, from the moment the idea started on their farm, to where the project stands today.   They cover: Why their land sparked the idea to buildThe reality of planning permission (and why it’s often the hardest part)Budget uncertainty, hidden costs, and why no one will give you a straight answerGroundworks, unexpected expenses, and decisions that spiralThe emotional side of building — stress, doubt, and just keeping going  Rebekah also shares what she’d do differently, what surprised her most, and her advice for anyone currently in the middle of a build. If you’re thinking about self-building, or already in the thick of it, this episode gives a much more realistic picture of what to expect.   Brought to you by Mayflower Mortgage & Finance. Helping self-builders navigate the financial side of their projects with confidence.   📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources   #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject   The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    29 min
  4. May 4

    Renovating a 1960's bungalow

    Most people think self-build means starting from an empty plot. But sometimes the smartest route is transforming an existing property into something completely new. In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks with John, who shares the story of how he transformed a modest 1960s bungalow into a modern, energy-efficient home designed to suit his lifestyle long into the future. After living in the same house for over 30 years, John and his wife wanted a home that was better suited to their needs, more sustainable to run, and designed with later life in mind. Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect property, they decided to buy a bungalow and completely reconfigure and extend it. In this episode we discuss: • why they chose to renovate and extend a bungalow rather than build from scratch • designing a home that works for both now and later life • navigating planning permission and permitted development rules • choosing the right builder for the project • funding the build through mortgage options and finance planning • creating an energy-efficient home with heat pumps, solar, and battery storage • the real running cost benefits of a modern eco-focused renovation John also shares what the process was really like, what went smoothly during the build, and the key lessons he would pass on to anyone considering a similar project. If you're considering a major renovation or thinking about future-proofing your home, this episode offers valuable insight into how thoughtful planning can create a home that works for decades to come. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    31 min
  5. Apr 27

    Building my own home with almost no contractors

    Building your own home is one challenge. Building it largely on your own is another entirely. In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks with Adrian, who shares the remarkable story of building his own home from the ground up after years of struggling to get planning permission for his original renovation project. What began as a plan to renovate an old cottage eventually turned into a full self-build project after expert planning advice revealed a completely different route forward. Adrian explains how the project evolved, why he chose an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) build method, and how he has managed to keep costs under control by doing the vast majority of the work himself. In this episode we discuss: • how planning rules in the green belt changed the entire project • why demolishing the old cottage opened the door to a new build • choosing ICF construction for airtightness and energy efficiency • managing a self-build project largely on your own • how organisation and planning keeps the build moving forward • keeping costs under control with trade accounts and DIY labour • the realities of building a home yourself Adrian also shares the mindset that has helped him tackle such a huge project step by step — focusing on small daily progress rather than the full scale of the challenge. If you're considering a self-build, this episode offers a fascinating insight into what’s possible with determination, planning, and the right approach. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    28 min
  6. Apr 20

    Renovating AND self-building in one go.

    In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jodie and James share the full story behind their self-build journey: from renovating a 17th-century cottage to splitting their land and building a brand new home next door. Yes - both in one go! They talk honestly about the highs and the challenges along the way, including planning issues, neighbour objections, managing trades, and the realities of trying to project manage a build while also working full time and raising a young family. Inside the episode they discuss: • how they found the property and decided to split the plot • renovating the original cottage before starting the self-build • planning objections and dealing with difficult neighbours • project managing the build themselves • what went well during the early construction stages • where things became more difficult during the finishing stages • the biggest lessons they would apply if they built again Despite the challenges, the project ultimately resulted in a beautiful family home, and plenty of valuable lessons for anyone thinking about taking on a self-build project themselves. If you're considering building your own home, this episode is packed with real-world experience that can help you avoid some of the same mistakes. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources #SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    45 min
  7. Apr 13

    Building my dream home in 11 months

    In this episode of the Self-Builders Podcast, we speak with a homeowner who completed a full self-build project in the UK. From buying the plot to moving into a brand new, self-built five-bedroom house, in just 11 months. He shares what motivated him to build instead of buying on the open market, how he found the plot, and what the journey looked like from planning permission through to construction and completion. Self-build projects can feel daunting at first, but this conversation gives a realistic look at what the process involves and where preparation makes the biggest difference. In this episode we discuss: 🎤 Why some buyers choose self-build instead of buying an existing home 🎤 How this project went from plot purchase to completion in around 11 months 🎤 The process of finding contractors and managing trades 🎤 The planning permission journey and dealing with local authorities 🎤 Why preparation (soil tests, asbestos checks, material supply) is critical 🎤 The benefits of brick-and-block construction for resale and mortgage options 🎤 How material sourcing can dramatically affect build costs 🎤 The challenges of interior finishes and design decisions 🎤 How financing a self-build project works in practice 🎤 Practical lessons and tips for anyone considering building their own home Self-building isn’t always the easiest route, but as this project shows, with the right preparation and structure it can be an incredibly rewarding way to create a home that fits your life perfectly. If you’re exploring your own self-build project and want expert guidance on financing, Mayflower Mortgage specialises in helping clients structure their projects from start to finish. 📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources #SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

    24 min

About

The Self Builders Podcast is a practical, straight‑talking podcast for anyone planning, funding, or building their own home. Hosted by industry experts who work with self‑builders every day, the podcast breaks down the real‑world challenges of self‑build projects — from finding land and securing planning permission, to understanding build costs, managing cashflow, and getting the right finance in place. Each episode features honest conversations with professionals across the self‑build journey, including architects, planners, surveyors, lenders, and self‑builders themselves. We cut through the jargon, bust common myths, and share lessons learned from real projects — including what went wrong, what worked, and what we’d do differently next time. Whether you’re at the early “dreaming and research” stage, already own a plot, or are mid‑build and feeling the pressure, The Self Builders Podcast is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical insight to move your project forward. No sales fluff. No theory. Just real advice for real self‑builders.