Webinar 'Steps to Self-build'
Tuesday 12th of December - 18.00
Following on from the success of our Open Day, we will be hosting a series of educational webinars, the first will cover, in more detail:
- the plots,
- the plot passports and
- the process of self-build at Orchard Farm.
Be part of this live opportunity to ask us your questions and feel confident that you can build the home that you'll love at Orchard Farm.
Who can help me?
As a self-builder, you can design your new house for the way you want to live. Very exciting, but it can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before.
At Orchard Farm, we want to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. That's why we offer the support of our Customer Guide, who will be with you every step of the way and can introduce you to an independent Network of Experts, including architects and financial advisers.
Services in place
Buying a serviced plot at Orchard Farm gives your self-build adventure an easy start. You buy a plot that will have the services you need including mains water, drainage, mains electricity, and fibre broadband, all ready for you to connect to. Paths and roads will be constructed so that you and your builder have access to the plot.
Simple process
What makes our serviced plots truly serviced is simplifying your process by helping you navigate your journey. Step by step, with our Customer Guide and an independent Network of Experts. Every plot will have its own Plot Passport, each one detailing the planning regulations and design code as agreed in the full planning permission with the Ashford Borough Council.
So green
We have carefully designed the green landscaping for your new neighbourhood. Around you, a network of courtyards linked by lanes will provide green, social spaces that are interconnected and genuinely child and pedestrian friendly. They will encourage you, your neighbours and passers-by to use the spaces to enjoy and connect with one another.
The plots are best presented on a laptop or desktop computer. Or hold your phone in landscape position.
All plot prices are excluding Value Added Tax (VAT). For a smart way to save you paying VAT read about the Golden Brick Construction.
Timeline
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October 2023
Releasing plot information - Early Bird
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November 2023
Early Bird pre-reservations open
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December 2023
Join our Webinar - Tuesday 12th December
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Early 2024
Full planning permission expected, incl. Nutrient Neutrality
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Early 2024
Sales Launch - Reservations
FAQ - top 3
Our full planning application was submitted early this year (2023), which has had good feedback from the planners at Ashford Borough Council, needs an additional approval of being nutrient neutral. This issue is affecting most planning applications in Kent and throughout the UK and creating a shortage of new homes.
We have produced a plan to demonstrate that there will be no increase in nitrate and phosphate pollution from self-builds on our land by installing a private foul drainage solution and are waiting for confirmation that this is acceptable.
You don't need to build it yourself. But you can. In most cases people decide to project manage the design and build of their house.
You can start by looking for an architect who can translate your wishes into a unique design. You can look for a construction company to take care of the build. Sometimes your architect can help you find one and who can also, if you wish, direct the build. Work with people that can help you and make sensible yet solid agreements. It's your house and you're in charge of the design and the build of it.
We have asked independent experts in the field of self-build to join our Network of Experts: architects, constructors, sustainability consultants and financial advisers. Along with our Customer Guide, they can help, advise and work with developing your plot. You don’t need to use this Network, you are more than welcome to dig into your own contacts too.
Now that the plot prices are available and you’ve picked your desired plot, you might be wondering if your budget can stretch to build the house of your dreams. Before you instruct an architect to design your house, you can use this approximation tool by Built It. This calculator does a rough estimate of the build costs.
You need to keep in mind that there are additional costs that are not covered by this tool, including the reservation fee, the cost of an architect, your costs for finance, professional fees, planning and Building Regulations, insurances, stamp duty and a few other fees that we will get into more detail later. Alternatively, there is a great article by Built It too which explains the cost of building a house in 2023.
Once you sign the Reservation Agreement and pay a non-refundable £500, you will have nine weeks to investigate your house building budget and design with an architect.
Orchard Farm's site will feature various green residential landscapes connected by roads and paths, creating a vibrant new community. The landscape design aims to encourage both neighbours and passers-by to appreciate the environment and its green spaces. Four distinct themes will be integrated to promote a healthy and green living environment.
