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Homebuilding & Renovating Show London 2026

Gordon Blair at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Gordon Blair Financial Services was delighted to exhibit at ExCeL London, meeting homeowners, self-builders and renovators and sharing practical guidance on financing their property plans.

Discuss Your Property Plans Read About the Event
A Fantastic Weekend at ExCeL London

Connecting ideas, projects and the right financial guidance

The show brought together homeowners, industry specialists and leading brands for three days of inspiration, expert advice and practical solutions.

The Gordon Blair Financial Services team was proud to attend the Homebuilding & Renovating Show London as an exhibitor from 18–20 September 2026.

We enjoyed meeting visitors at our stand, hearing about their plans and discussing the financial considerations involved in renovating, extending, self-building or completely reimagining a home.

Three inspiring days

Thank you to everyone who visited our stand, shared their property ideas and joined the conversation about turning those ambitions into achievable plans.

Event Highlights

More than an exhibition

The event gave visitors the opportunity to explore ideas, meet specialists and gain knowledge for every stage of a home project.

Expert Conversations

We spoke with homeowners and self-builders about mortgages, project funding and the financial questions behind ambitious property plans.

Practical Guidance

Visitors had the chance to explore how early financial planning can help them approach a renovation, extension or self-build with greater clarity.

Inspiring Projects

From first ideas to major transformations, we heard about exciting projects and the different ways people hope to improve or create their ideal homes.

Masterclass Theatre

Financing Your Dream Home

A highlight of the weekend was seeing our Senior Mortgage Adviser, David Fairclough, take to the Masterclass Theatre.

David presented “Financing Your Dream Home: How to Raise the Money to Build, Renovate or Reimagine Your Home”, sharing practical expert guidance for people considering their next property project.

The session explored important financial questions that can arise when deciding whether to build, extend, improve or fundamentally transform an existing property.

Thank you for joining us.
We appreciate everyone who attended David's masterclass, asked questions and visited the Gordon Blair team afterwards to continue the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions

Financing a home project

Can I borrow more on my mortgage to renovate my home?

Depending on your circumstances, property value, affordability and lender criteria, additional borrowing or remortgaging may be worth exploring. A mortgage adviser can explain the options that may be available to you.

How can I finance a self-build project?

Specialist self-build mortgages may release funds in stages as the project progresses. Eligibility, deposit requirements and release stages vary, so obtaining advice early can help you understand the process.

When should I speak to a mortgage adviser?

It can be helpful to seek advice during the early planning stage, before making major commitments. This gives you time to understand affordability, possible funding routes and the information a lender may require.

Could the right finance help bring your property plans to life?

If you missed us at the show—or would like to continue a conversation you started there—our team is ready to discuss your renovation, extension, self-build or other property plans.

Book a Consultation Visit Gordon Blair

Mortgage availability and lender criteria depend on individual circumstances and can change. The information on this page is for general information only and does not constitute personalised mortgage advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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self build mortgages

Self-Build Mortgage FAQs

Planning to build your own home? Find answers to common questions about self-build mortgages, buying land, stage payments, deposits and how Gordon Blair Financial Services can help finance your project.

What is a self-build mortgage?
A self-build mortgage is designed for people constructing their own home rather than buying a completed property. Unlike a standard residential mortgage, the funds are normally released in stages as construction progresses. This can help finance the purchase of land and the cost of building the property.
How does a self-build mortgage differ from a standard mortgage?
A standard residential mortgage is usually released as one amount when a completed property is purchased. A self-build mortgage generally releases funds at agreed construction stages. The lender will also assess the building plans, project costs, timescale, construction method and expected value of the finished home.
Can a self-build mortgage help me buy the land?
Some self-build mortgage products can include funding towards the purchase of a suitable building plot. The amount available will depend on the land value, planning position, proposed build, deposit and lender criteria. It is important to understand your likely funding position before committing to a land purchase.
How are self-build mortgage funds released?
Funds may be released at stages such as purchasing the land, completing the foundations, reaching wall-plate level, making the property wind and watertight and completing the build. The exact stages vary according to the lender, mortgage product and type of construction.
What is the difference between arrears and advance stage payments?
With arrears-stage funding, money is normally released after an agreed stage of work has been completed and valued. Advance-stage funding may release money before a stage begins, which can assist with materials, deposits and contractor costs. Advance funding is not available from every lender, and eligibility criteria apply.
How much deposit do I need for a self-build mortgage?
The required deposit varies between lenders and can depend on the land value, construction costs, expected value of the completed property and your individual circumstances. A lender may also expect you to provide some of your own funds and maintain a contingency reserve for unexpected costs.
Do I need planning permission before applying?
Lenders will usually require an acceptable planning position before they release funds for construction. They may also request building regulations approval, architectural drawings and other project documents. Requirements differ, so seeking mortgage guidance early can help you prepare the information a lender is likely to need.
What documents will a self-build mortgage lender require?
A lender may request planning documents, architectural drawings, building regulations approval, a detailed cost schedule, the build programme and information about contractors and construction methods. Evidence of income, deposit, site insurance and an acceptable structural warranty may also be required.
How much can I borrow for a self-build project?
The amount available will depend on affordability, income, commitments, credit history, deposit, land value, build costs and the expected value of the finished home. Lenders may limit borrowing by reference to both the project cost and the completed property value. An adviser can assess your circumstances and explain the limits that may apply.
Why is a contingency fund important?
Construction projects can face price increases, delays or unexpected work. A contingency fund provides a financial buffer and can help keep the build moving if costs change. The lender may consider your contingency when assessing whether the project is realistic and adequately funded.
Can I use a self-build mortgage for a non-standard construction method?
Potentially, but lender appetite varies. Timber frame, modular, insulated concrete formwork and other modern methods of construction may be acceptable to certain lenders, subject to the design, materials, warranties, professional oversight and future marketability of the property.
Do I need a structural warranty and site insurance?
Many lenders require an acceptable structural warranty or professional consultant's certificate, along with suitable site insurance during construction. The required provider and level of cover can differ between lenders, so these arrangements should be checked before work begins.
What happens if the build goes over budget or is delayed?
Contact your mortgage adviser and lender as early as possible. Additional borrowing is not guaranteed, so a realistic budget, contingency reserve and careful cash-flow plan are important from the outset. The available options will depend on affordability, the remaining work and the lender's assessment of the project.
What happens to my mortgage when the build is complete?
After completion and the issue of the required certificates, you may be able to remain on the lender's applicable product or move to a standard residential mortgage, subject to eligibility and any product terms or charges. Reviewing the options available at completion can help you decide on an appropriate next step.
When should I speak to a self-build mortgage adviser?
It is sensible to seek advice during the early planning stage, ideally before purchasing land or committing to major costs. Understanding affordability, deposit requirements, lender criteria and stage-payment arrangements can help you build a more realistic project budget and funding plan.
How can Gordon Blair help with my self-build mortgage?
Gordon Blair Financial Services can review your plans, budget, deposit, income, land position and proposed build stages before comparing suitable specialist lenders. We can explain lender criteria and stage payments, help prepare your application and support you throughout the mortgage process. To discuss your plans, book a self-build mortgage consultation with Gordon Blair .
Self-build mortgage availability and lender criteria depend on individual circumstances and can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised mortgage advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Building Futures Together: Personalised Mortgage and Insurance Solutions

Curious about our team and our extensive experience? Explore our dedicated team page for detailed insights. Or, give us a call today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Discover how our personalised financial solutions can best meet your needs.

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