Register for a Self-Build home

About the register

In 2015, the Government introduced a law that requires councils to keep a register of people and organisations who are interested in Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding housing.

Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding mean that you are involved in designing or building your own home, either on your own or with others.

The purpose of the register is to:

• understand how many people are interested in Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding housing
• help share information about suitable building plots when they become available.

Changes to the register from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, changes will be made to the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register in line with the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended).

Slough Borough Council must maintain a register of individuals and associations seeking serviced plots for Self-Build or Custom Housebuilding. 

These changes are being made in line with national legislation and will help the Council keep the Self‑Build and Custom Housebuilding Register up to date.

The Register forms part of the evidence for the new Local Plan and maintaining accurate information allows the Council to understand local demand and plan appropriately for Self‑Build housing over the long term.

We will be introducing changes such as updating the Register and a local connection test.

Local connection test

A local connection test will be introduced.

You will be considered to have a local connection if one or more of the following apply:

• you have lived in Slough for more than five years, or
• you have worked in Slough for more than five years, or
• you are a member of the Armed Forces.

How the register will be split

• Part 1: People who meet the local connection test.
• Part 2: People who do not meet the local connection test.

This change applies to both new and existing applicants.

Existing applicants may move between Part 1 and Part 2 depending on whether they meet the test.

What we use the register for

• Part 1: the Council must grant sufficient permissions to meet demand on the register.
• Part 2: the Council have regard to the register in its planning, housing, regeneration and land disposal functions.

Keeping the register up to date

Some people have been on the register since 2015. To make sure the register remains accurate:

• the council may contact you to ask if you want to stay on the register
• if you do not confirm that you wish to remain on the register, your details may be removed.

Keeping the register up to date helps the council understand current demand and plan effectively for Self-Build housing over the next 20 years.