In the current housing climate, more and more people are finding it very difficult to get their foot on the housing ladder. Quite often, when the opportunity to do so arrives, buyers have to settle for second best, having had no say in the design and construction process, just to get a roof over their heads. However, there is another way which does take a lot more effort, and a lot more involvement, but which is ultimately very rewarding. That is self-building your own home. In 2026, the government is providing funding and help to all prospective house builders. A Straightforward Guide to Designing and Building Your Own Home, Second edition, will guide the reader through all the stages involved in the process of self-building a home, from inception to completion. It will also highlight the increase in building costs in 2026.