Hi Antony,

The lending products we list in our mortgage table at https://www.self-build.co.uk/self-build-mortgages can all be accessed via BuildStore, which is the UK’s leading self build mortgage broker.

While it’s possible to approach some of these lenders directly, I’d strongly recommend you go through BuildStore. Their team is responsible for sourcing/negotiating these products and is well-placed to help you gain the best possible rates for your circumstances. As far as I’m aware, Accelerator-type products (where money is released prior to agreed stages of the build to help with cashflow) are currently only available through BuildStore.

You might be interested in checking out our guide to how self build mortgages work at https://www.self-build.co.uk/self-build-mortgages-explained

In answer to the second part of your question, every empty property is eligible for exemption from council tax for the first six months that they are unoccupied. After this initial six month period, however, councils have the right to decide whether or not to extend this exemption – and even if they do, it may only be in the form of a discount rather than a full exemption.

If a property has been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, the council can charge up to 50%.

Common reasons to extend an exemption include overrunning renovation and repair work; but at the end of the day some local authorities are more flexible than others, so it’s probably best to check with the relevant council directly!

Chris (Deputy Editor & Online Editor, Build It magazine)