WHAT IS A NORMAL GROUND RENT FOR A HUT SITE? #
There is no standard rate as there are many variables. Based on our survey of 50 hutters, this ranges from approximately £500-£1200 per annum per hut plot on a multiple site. It can depend on the services and initial outlay paid for by the hut site developer, as there are often substantial costs incurred at this stage.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE GROUND RENT? #
This varies site by site, but often a standpipe is provided as a communal water source, and an access route may be provided.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO BUILD MY HUT? #
This is a tricky question because there is such a range of variables, such as: Will you do the work yourself?; Will you be able to access reclaimed/free/cheap materials, etc. So estimates vary very widely. In summary, there is truth in the old saying that in building you can have two out of these three qualities: Good; Quick, and Cheap. For example, if you want a building to be good and quick, it won’t be cheap, as you’ll have to pay a lot on labour and materials to make that happen. A member of our Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/118307858251185) recently posted this handy ‘back-of-the-envelope’ guide based on her own build, “My 30 sqm hut using mostly new materials has cost me £17000 (no stove yet) If I hadn’t had to fence it against livestock or fix it down I could have saved at least £2000. If I had left off the frills like decking and a canopy over the front, another £2000 at least. The windows are made to measure hardwood , double glazed. If I had used second hand or free doors and windows another £2000. That takes me to £11000. If I had been able to do the work myself or use friends/family,, that could probably be halved again. Lets say £6000. Now reduce the size to 20 instead of 30 sqm (£4000) and source second hand stuff for the main structure. Bingo! You also need to consider the particular site and how you get stuff there. I’m on a farm with access to machinery and drivers.”
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE COST OF HUTTING? #
See our guide to affordable hutting…
WILL MY HUT BE LIABLE FOR COUNCIL TAX OR RATES? #
We cannot give advice on this as there is variation between local authorities. However, we believe that huts are not liable for Council Tax as they are not dwellings (i.e. you do not live in it year-round). We believe that normally huts are not liable for Rates as their Rateable Value is normally below the threshold. However, if you are concerned about this you should seek advice from your local authority.
