HOMEBUYERS will now be able to design their own home for the same price as buying a new one in an innovative project.

The launch of a 122 custom build homes project took place at Squirrel Wood, Rooksdown, on Wednesday last week in a Homes England pilot project, in partnership with designyourhome.com.

Homebuyers will be able to customise their house from an array of layout options, such as the number and size of rooms, ground floor extensions, and a vast choice of internal fixtures and fittings.

Prices for a finished 2-bedroom home start from £260,000.

In a first for the UK, full planning permission has already been secured from Basingstoke Council for the homes and the planning permission covers all the design options.

Buyers will be able to contract designyourhome.com or, if they have the skills, they will be able to build the house themselves.

Kim Slowe, managing director of designyourhome.com, said: “For far too long purchasers of new build homes in the UK have been given very little or no choice on both the layout and fitting out of their home.

"This makes little sense given that a home is likely to be the biggest purchase that an individual will ever make.

"designyourhome.com changes that. It gives homebuyers real choices whilst keeping the purchase and build process very simple."

Kelly Hillman, Senior Specialist at Homes England said: “Homes England is pleased to be working with designyourhome.com on this large scale custom build project. Squirrel Wood contributes to the supply of new homes whilst providing a greater choice of product in the market for buyers."