Housing shortage

People are living longer, the birth rate is plateauing and net migration into the UK is rising. And as the population increases, not enough new dwellings are being built. The reasons for this are myriad but one contributing factor is the country is slowly running out of space to build.

As an island nation and one not only renowned for areas of outstanding natural beauty but also keen to protect it, land is a precious commodity and one in short supply. Or is it?

It seems there is an untapped resource across the UK.

Hidden in plain sight and with the potential to solve this problem, or at least some of it, gardens have gone relatively unnoticed by many self-builders and would-be developers.

Peter Bowdler, the Founder and CEO of Spotaplot explains why. "There are so many factors to consider, it's sometimes difficult to confidently estimate the value of a garden plot. There are potential complications about access, and local and national zoning restrictions mean it can become quite complicated."

But by automating the process through a clever patent-pending use of technology, Spotaplot is changing that.

"The Plot Report our product generates acts as a whole feasibility study too. It tells you what type of dwelling the plot would suit, what the gross development value of the plot might be, as well as giving you much of the information you need to seek planning advice," Peter said. "And by being open and transparent about the whole process," Peter added, "We're empowering everyone with the ability to use it."