There’s never been a better time to create the home of your dreams with a visit to Build It Live in Exeter next month. For the fourth time, the UK’s most practical self build and renovation show is coming to Westpoint Arena on 12 & 13 September 2026.
Over the course of two days, visitors can meet hundreds of suppliers, sit down for one-to-one consultations with industry experts, browse thousands of products and materials, and attend informative live talks about everything from finding land to designing your home and gaining planning consent.
The interactive exhibitions are organised by Build It Magazine and take place annually in Kent, Worcestershire and Devon and are a must visit for anyone looking to self build, renovate or extend their home. Visitors attending the Exeter show will be able to explore the opportunities available across the South West, where there is a wealth of land with potential for self-build projects.
Chris Batesmith, editor of Build It magazine, said: “The South West continues to attract people who want to create a home that suits their lifestyle, and the region offers many opportunities for those prepared to research plots, understand planning requirements and take expert advice. Build It Live South West is designed to help visitors take those next practical steps.”
Hands-On Experience and Expert Advice
Each show offers invaluable hands-on experiences, expert guidance, speaker sessions and inspiration to help visitors progress with their own home projects. One of the most popular sessions enjoyed by audiences are when first time self builders take to the stage to share their own experiences including the highlights and challenges they faced creating their dream home.
Among the speaker-led case studies, visitors can hear how projects such as ‘Birdsong’, a delightful 3 bedroomed property in Plymouth, was designed to Passivhaus standards, with running costs of minus £25 per annum, inclusive of standing charge, hot water, cooking, lighting, heating and cooling, charging two electric vehicles, working from home and using power tools.
Shortlisted for Best Eco Home in the 2025 Build It Awards, this future-ready home demonstrates what can be achieved when self-builders secure the right plot and combine careful design with sustainable technologies, including solar PV and battery storage, an EV charger, an air source heat pump, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, triple glazing, passive solar gain and shading, high levels of insulation, water-saving fixtures and ecological enhancements such as bat and bird roosts.
Tickets and Event Details
Tickets for ‘Build It Live’ are available for purchase through the official website. Standard tickets are priced at £12 per person, and children under 16 attend free when accompanied by an adult. The shows are open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:30 and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Tickets are valid for either or both days of the event.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.builditlive.co.uk
2026 Build It Live Show Dates and Venues
- Build It Live South West – Westpoint Arena, 12-13 September 2026. Address: Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
- Build It Live South East – Kent Event Centre, 26-27 February 2027. Address: Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
- Build It Live West – Three Counties Showground, 5-6 June 2027. Address: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW