Self-Build and Custom House Building Register

The Self-Build Register in the Dover District is used to inform the Council of the needs of Self-Builders within the district, and is split into two parts; Part One and Part Two. Those with a local connection to the Dover District, and with the ability to evidence their financial capacity to carry out a Self-Build project will be eligible to join Part One of the Register. The Council's obligations regarding Self-Build are related to the amount of people on Part One of the Self-Build register, in accordance with the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016). Those without a local connection to the Dover District, or who cannot provide evidence of their financial ability to carry out a self-build project can be placed on Part Two of the register. A fee of £30 is charged to those joining Part One or Part Two of the register, and each year following, a £15 renewal fee. The fee's are used to provide information, training and opportunities for self-builders in the district. 

How to apply for entry to the register

1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria to register: 

• You must be aged over 18
• You must be a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
• You must want to acquire a serviced plot of land to build a house to occupy as your sole or main home

2. Check whether you are eligible for Part One or Part Two of the Register, and ready your evidence.

• Part One will require you to provide documents which prove your local connection to Dover and your financial capacity to complete a self-build project
• Part Two will not require a local connection to the district or proof of financial capacity to complete a self-build project
• Evidence required for Part One of the Register is outlined underneath the application process. If you have any questions please contact - communityhousing@dover.gov.uk

3. Click the link at the bottom of this page, to register your interest and submit your documents. 

• Please make sure you include your preferred contact details
• If you wish to join Part One of the register, double check that you have the correct documents
• Get in touch if you aren't sure about how to apply or if your application is time sensitive - communityhousing@dover.gov.uk 

Once we have received your completed form we will:  

• If the application is eligible, with both the Local Connectivity and Financial Capacity Tests having been processed, we will make an entry on Part One of the register. If applicants do not meet the requirements for Part One they will be placed on Part Two of the register. You will be asked to pay the £30 joining fee to join Part One or Part Two
• If you apply to be on Part One, but the application is not eligible, we will write to you to explain the reasons within 28 days of determining the application. If the application is from an association, we will only notify the lead contact as identified in the application.

Evidence Required for Part One of the Register

Local Connectivity Test

To be eligible for Part One of the Register, you must have a local connection to the Dover District. Please select the option below that applies to your local connection, and include the relevent documents in your registration application. 

Option A) 5 consecutive years of living within the Dover District

Two Documents required:

• One of the following, dated within the last three months; Utility bill, Council tax bill, Credit card or bank statement, Building Society or Credit Union statement or Tenancy agreement
• One of the following, dated over five years ago; Utility bill, Council tax bill, Credit card or bank statement, Building Society or Credit Union statement or Tenancy agreement

Option B) Permanent consecutive employment for a minimum of one year within the Dover District

Two Documents required:

• One of the following: Your most recent payslip, Your most recent P60 or P11D 
• One of the following: Payslip from 12 -15 months ago, P60 or P11D from the previous tax year. 

If you are unable to provide the documents above, a letter from your employer on headed paper stating your period of employment, name, current date and home address will be accepted. If you provide this letter, do you not need to provide any additional documents. 

Option C) Previous Dover District resident for 10 consecutive years, within the last 20 years, returning to the district

Two Documents required:

• One of the following, dated at the start of your 10 year residency within the Dover District:  Utility bill, Council tax bill, Credit card or bank statement, Building Society or Credit Union statement or Tenancy agreement
• One of the following, dated at the end of your 10 year residency within the Dover District: Utility bill, Council tax bill, Credit card or bank statement, Building Society or Credit Union statement or Tenancy agreement

If you were under 18 during this period, exam results from a school in the Dover District or proof of parents residency in the form of the above can be considered along with your 

Option D) Armed Forces active personelle (or active in the last five years) 

 One Document required: 

• Document Showing your full name and dates of service. 

Financial Capacity Test

To be eligible for Part One of the Register, you must have the financial capacity to complete a Self-Build project. Please select the option below that applies to your type of purchase, and include the relevent documents in your registration application. 

The financial capacity test is also carried out each year at annual renewal. If you wish to remain on the register, you will need to supply the relavent documents each year. 

Option A) Cash Purchase

At registration

One document required showing proof of funds: A statement from an FCA regulated Bank, Building Society or Financial Advisor dated within the last three months, showing your full name and address. 

At annual renewal

One document required showing proof of funds: A statement from an FCA regulated Bank, Building Society or Financial Advisor dated within the last three months, showing your full name and address. 

Option B) Mortgage

At registration 

Two Documents required: 

• An Agreement in Principal from your Mortgage or Financial Advisor 
• Proof of Funds showing total deposit amount: A statement from an FCA regulated Bank, Building Society or Financial Advisor dated within the last three months, showing your full name and address. 

At annual renewal:

Two Documents required: 

• An Agreement in Principal from your Mortgage or Financial Advisor 
• Proof of Funds showing total deposit amount: A statement from an FCA regulated Bank, Building Society or Financial Advisor dated within the last three months, showing your full name and address.