Measures also include extending the stamp duty holiday to June, investing in chronically underfunded NI Water, and supporting modern methods of construction. The UK’s Budget published in March has extended the stamp duty holiday on house purchases under £500,000. In both England and NI, the reprieve which was due to end on March 31st has […] More
Galway councillor to push for removal of locals only rules in County Development Plan A long awaited update to the Department of Housing’s 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines is due to be published by the end of June, the department’s press office told Selfbuild. The guidelines restrict one-off housing in the countryside. In some zones, […] More
Having a storm proof roof and external façade is a necessity in Ireland but my wife Karen and I, like most people I think, were more focused on the aesthetics and ensuring that our house blended in to its surroundings, writes self-builder Brian Corry who is on a mission to build himself an eco house. […] More
How Martin and Saoirse O’Dwyer renovated a derelict cottage on the Sligo / Donegal coastline and added a barrel roofed extension to make it blend in. In this article we cover: “While house hunting we fell in love with the panoramic views from this tiny derelict, coastal cottage,” explains Martin. “The vista reaches across sand […] More
Episode 26: First time self-builder David Dobbs, who happens to be an estate agent, shares his experience getting planning permission from Wicklow County Council and running into some trouble with his main contractor. He talks about:– How the existing cottage on the site helped secure planning permission– His bungalow design tips to add light and […] More
For those looking to take self-isolation to a new level, know that it is possible to buy an entire island off the coast of Ireland. Currently on the market is the 62 acre West Calf Island, West Cork, price undisclosed. The island is home to several derelict farmhouses and outbuildings which would provide a good […] More
A couple in Co Meath have agreed to vacate their home of 14 years to make way for bulldozers. Following a lengthy legal battle with Meath County Council, they have agreed to leave the house in two years’ time so the authorities can demolish it. The 588sqm house was self-built after the couple failed to […] More
Can you connect to utilities? Self-build advisor John Corless highlights the need to check if water, electricity and broadband are easy to connect to, otherwise you could be faced with a heavy connection fee for the first two. Favourite More
Is the site good enough? Self-build advisor John Corless explains what you need to check for when buying a site, or if you have one gifted to you. Favourite More
When building on a plot – either bought, inherited or gifted – the role of a solicitor is a little more complex than it would be if you were just moving house. The advice from The Law Societies in NI and ROI is to talk to your solicitor as early as possible in the process […] More
Episode 11: John Corless is Ireland’s leading independent self-build advisor and the host of the Selfbuild Live Bootcamp. We caught up with him at Selfbuild Live Belfast to give us a bird’s eye view of the self-build process. Topics covered: Favourite More
Episode 8: Planning permission is the first stumbling block to building or extending your home. This episode Patrick O’Reilly, Managing Director of niplanningpermission.co.uk and irelandplanning.ie, gives us the low down on how the planning process works in NI and ROI and how to increase your chances with your local authority. We also discuss which projects […] More
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