Every detail of your self-build is planned out. The construction, the timescales, the budget, and the consultants. You feel fully prepared to tackle this project.
However, there is one small detail that many self-builders often forget to address. What and how are you going to name your building?
Having an address for your home is a crucial step that must be carried out before completion. Your self-build team can support you throughout your journey, but the task of acquiring an address falls upon your shoulders. Not to worry, here is our guide to obtaining an address for your new home.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURING AN ADDRESS
Naming your home may seem like one of the final steps, but it’s actually something you will want to tackle early on in the process. If you’re at all familiar with applications to your council, you’ll know they can take time. The requirement of the creation and naming of a new street can also prolong the process. Even more reason to submit your application as early as possible.
You’ve no doubt been involved in most of the key decisions, and you’ll also want to name your new creation. There are no listed restrictions to what you can choose as a name, but it’s up to your local council to make the final decision. The best course of action is to choose a name that is clear and unique to that area, as misleading or similar names are unlikely to be approved.
If your home doesn’t sit on an existing street, and the surrounding homes are named and not numbered, then you will have to have a name too. If there is an existing numbering system in place, you will have to join that.
HOW MUCH DOES THE APPLICATION COST?
The application fee varies depending on your location. The fee for a standalone house can range between £40 - £80, whereas the naming of a new street can range from £150 - £300. You can view an example of an online application with prices in Scotland here.
STEPS TO APPLY FOR A POSTAL ADDRESS
The process should begin by contacting your local authority's planning or building control department. Most local authorities have their own guidance, so you can use this contact to inquire about their specific application process and requirements.
You should collect all the required documentation, such as architectural plans, site plans, utility connections, access details and geo-reference CAD drawings if a new street is requested. Your council may also require alternative names should your chosen name not be approved.
Once you’ve filled out the application form, submit the form along with the required documentation to the appropriate department of your local authority. The local authority will review your application and verify the information provided. Most councils will get back to you within 4 – 8 weeks.
If your application is approved, Royal Mail will issue you a postcode and add your new details to their database. If your self-build is still under construction, it'll be added to Royal Mail's Not Yet Built (NYB) file. If for any reason you didn’t receive approval, your local council should explain why.
It is important to follow the guidelines provided by your local authority and submit all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the application process.
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOUR ADDRESS IS APPROVED
Once you have obtained a postal address for your self-build home, it is important to update your details and notify the relevant parties. Most of these won’t need your new address until moving day starts to approach, but your intentions to move should be made clear.
Your local council will give your new address to the relevant authorities as part of your application, including:
- HM Land Registry
- Emergency Services
- Electoral Services
- BT Openreach
- Ordnance Survey
- Your local hospital
As detailed in the building regulations, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure the name of your property is displayed and clearly visible from the road. You should also ensure you have a mailbox or letterbox installed at the property.
Your design team and main contractor will give your plot its own working title, but it’s a good idea to update them when it’s been approved.
Follow these steps and you'll get a brand new address for your self-build property with ease, putting a name on your beautiful new home. For more self-build advice, visit our Learning Centre!
