Michael Holmes

"Anyone taking a long-term view can see that the current state of the UK property market is an opportunity - possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity. The perfect plot or renovation project only comes up in the right location once every few years, and although there is still likely to be fierce competition for the best opportunities, even in this climate, at least they will make it onto the open market rather than being snapped up by developers before they see the light of day!

Builders are also fairly quiet at present, as many developers have switched into general contracting to make a living whilst the market is slow, and consequently labour costs are more competitive than they have been for years.

This is not the time to speculate on the housing market in the hope of making a quick gain, however, if you are looking to build your long term family home, and have been frustrated for years at the lack of good building plots and the difficulties of finding a good quality, reliable builder, you've never had it so good."

Michael is Editor in Chief of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and a serial self-builder.

Ross Stokes

"With the credit crunch taking its toll on builders and developers up and down the country, it has presented cashed-up self-builders with some excellent opportunities.

Traditionally ordinary folk have been starved of opportunities, with prime plots snapped up by developers even before they go on to the market. This is no longer the case. As cash strapped developers are forced to surrender their prized land banks, those wishing to build their dream homes with no motive for an instant profit, only a sound long-term investment, find themselves in the box seat.

With tradesmen eager for work, and suppliers offering discounts for your trade, there has never been a better time to build your own home, full stop!"

Ross is editor of Self Build & Design magazine.

David Snell

"There's never been a better time to self-build! That may seem like a wild statement in the middle of a downturn but I happen to believe it's true. I don't think that this is the best time to consider developing for profit but self-building is completely different.

When developers finish new houses they have to sell whatever the economic cycle. When self-builders finish their new homes they are just that; somewhere to live to their own design, specification and cost. They may want to sell eventually, maybe even to do it again but as long as they feel financially secure and as long as they can afford the outgoings then they can wait until the time is right. After all we've all got to live somewhere and right now, with interest rates at an all time low, the average mortgage repayments are a lot less than market rentals.

All of the elements for a successful self-build are in place. Plots are available at reasonable prices and self-builders won't find themselves competing with developers and builders. Specialist self build mortgages offer up to 95% of the land and build costs (normally 66% of end value). Builders' and subcontractors' rates have definitely softened, materials are being discounted and the support infrastructure is there as never before.

Most pundits, including me, think the market must turn up in 2010 so there truly has never been a better time to self-build"

David is a prolific writer and pundit on self-building with over 33 years experience in the industry. author of 'Building Your Own Home', renowned seminar speaker, contributing editor to Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and weekly Daily Telegraph columnist.

Jason Orme

"Self-builders are less obsessed by doing things on the cheap these days because they are not intending to sell their projects for an instant profit. As a result, they're investing more in products that will help them create their ultimate family home. This means better structural materials, more sustainable products and more luxury fittings.

Self-builders are taking advantage of the estimated 20% - 30% drop in plot values to pick up bargains - and they are planning on creating a great family home for the long term rather than scrimping to get short-term profit.

The age of the amateur developer is gone for the foreseeable future. In a way self-build is going back to its core roots - of individuality, innovative in design and materials, and the concept of longstanding, flexible house design. We're noticing that while people are obviously keen to get value for money, the number of self-builds is remarkably consistent. People are in it for the long term.

The self-builders we're meeting at the exhibitions, online and corresponding with the magazine seem to be largely unaffected by the 'crunch' at the moment. They're picking up bargain properties and looking for ideas and advice on how to build for the long term.

It's actually a very good time to build. Self-build finance is holding firm and competitive rates, coupled with the lowest plot costs for a decade and falling labour rates mean that many would-be self-builders who could only dream of getting started three years ago are now able to finally do so"

Jason is editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. Jason self-built the home he currently lives in.