Empowering YOU to buy your plot at the right price and build on budget with complete confidence
By Anthony Martin — 20+ years, £100m+ delivered, Home Counties & SW London
Not because people are careless — but because nobody teaches the financial systems that protect professional developers.
You don’t need luck.
You need a framework.
Academy by Carnaby gives you the exact financial, contractual, and project‑control disciplines used on every professional development — translated for aspiring developers and self builders.
What changes when you learn to build like a developer?
You know exactly what your project should cost — and why.
You understand where risk hides, and how to control it.
You stop relying on contractors for your numbers.
You make decisions with clarity, not guesswork.
You protect your budget, your timeline, and your sanity.
You finish your project with confidence — not fear.
This is the transformation Academy by Carnaby delivers.

Anthony Martin is a developer, project strategist, and founder of By Carnaby. Over the last 20 years he has delivered more than £100m of boutique residential development across South West London and the Home Counties, advised on a £250m luxury scheme in the Cotswolds, and built the financial and project‑control systems used inside Academy by Carnaby.
“I thought finding a plot was just about scrolling Rightmove. Foundations showed me how developers actually assess viability — and it completely changed how I looked at land. The ability to quickly appraise land value on QSPro meant I walked away from two plots I was in danger of buying emotionally. When I eventually secured my plot I knew my numbers were right. This course paid for itself a hundred times over.”
European LED Product Manager
“This course is the closest thing I've experienced to sitting beside a professional developer. The appraisal modelling alone changed how I approach every decision. I now have a clearer understanding of finance, procurement, negotiation, and contract administration at a level no one else teaches. I’m now using QSPro to run my project like a developer — and it shows.”
Managing Director
Perfect for: Self‑Builders, Plot‑Seekers, Aspiring Developers.
9 Chapters + 6 Bonus Tools
22,000 words with actionable steps at every stage + Developer Grade Tools & Software
How to find plots before they reach the open market + Carnaby Plot Finder
How to assess a plot like a professional developer + Project Viability checklist
How to avoid the “plot love” trap
How to run a professional Residual Land Value appraisal + Development Appraisal Tool Connected to Regional Build & Sales Data API
How to spot financial red flags early + Quick Scan Tool
How to avoid overpaying before you even start + Offer Strategy Template
How to navigate planning basics + Planning Outreach E-mail Scripts
Know whether your project is viable — before you commit
Buy your plot with full confidence in Your numbers + Contract Comparison
Architectural Visualiser
6 months subscription to QSPro Starter (Worth £89.94)
Every tool, resource and subscription included in the Foundation course
And what each would cost you to source independently.


🛡️100% guaranteed. If Foundation isn't right for you, email us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund — no questions asked. You have nothing to lose and a framework that professional developers use to protect every acquisition.
*API connection provides Live regional build cost & sales value data to the residual land value calculator





Start with Foundation → upgrade to Fundamentals for £150
Perfect for: anyone with a plot, in planning, or early‑stage build.
Everything in Foundation +
8 Video Modules with Interactive Workbook
The 7 financial decisions that make or break a self‑build
How to build an elemental cost plan
How to build a programme
How to run a structured tender
How to understand and manage your contract
How to control valuations and variations
How to manage contingency like a professional
Site set up and your Health & Safety responsibilities
You’ll run your project with clarity, control, and the confidence of a professional developer.
API Connection to Both Regional Build Cost and Sales Data
6 Months subscription to QSPro Professional - (Worth £167.94)
Complete Fundamentals → upgrade to Mastery for £500
Perfect for: serious self‑builders and aspiring developers who want the full professional system
Everything in Fundamentals +
20 Video Modules with Interactive Workbook and Certification
Full development appraisal and GDV modelling
Advanced cost planning and risk management
Tendering, procurement, and contractor negotiation
Contract administration and dispute avoidance
Programme control and valuation management
Variation strategy and financial governance
Real‑world case studies from £100m+ of delivered projects
You’ll build with the same financial discipline as a professional developer.
API Connection to Both Regional Build Cost and Sales Data
12 Months subscription to QSPro Professional - (Worth £335.88)
Start with Foundation - Exclusive Course Upgrade Pricing when you’re ready - Begin your Academy journey
★★★★★
Foundations along with QSPro gave me the structure I was missing.
Mathew K.
Academy by Carnaby is for you if:
You’re planning a self‑build and want to avoid expensive mistakes
You already have a plot and want financial clarity
You’re in planning and want to understand your numbers
You’re on site and feel exposed or overwhelmed
You want to build like a developer, not guess like a self‑builder

Built on 20+ years of real development experience
Based on £100m+ of delivered projects
Focused on financial control, not inspiration
UK‑specific, not generic
Practical, not theoretical
Designed for self‑builders, not professionals
Includes QSPro proprietary property development software
Calm, structured, and free of hype
Do I need any experience to take these courses?
No. The courses are designed for self‑builders, not professionals.
Everything is explained clearly, in plain English, with real examples from UK projects. Whether you’re at the very beginning or already deep into planning, you’ll be able to follow the frameworks and apply them immediately.
What if I’m already on site — is it too late?
Not at all.
Many people join once construction has already started because that’s when the financial pressure becomes real. The Developer Fundamentals and Development Mastery courses include modules on valuations, variations, contract management, and cost control — the exact disciplines that protect you mid‑project.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes.
Purchasing Foundation entitles you to exclusive upgrade pricing on future courses:
Foundation → Fundamentals for £150
Fundamentals → Development Mastery for £500
SamCart handles this automatically, and you never pay twice for the same content.
How long do I have access to the courses?
You get lifetime access.
Once you enrol, the content is yours — including all future updates, refinements, and new lessons added to your course tier.
What is QSPro and is it included?
QSPro is the proprietary property development software built and used By Carnaby.
QSPro is referenced throughout the courses, and certain modules include guided walkthroughs.
Foundation includes 6 months QSPro starter access.
Fundamentals includes 6 months of QSPro Professional access.
Development Mastery includes 12 months of QSPro Professional access.
Is this UK‑specific?
Yes.
Every framework, example, contract reference, valuation method, and cost‑planning approach is built around UK self‑build and residential development.
No generic international content. No irrelevant regulations.
What if I’m not technical or good with numbers?
That’s exactly who this is built for.
You don’t need to be a surveyor, accountant, or project manager. The QSPro software takes care of the numbers.
The courses break down every financial and contractual concept into simple, practical steps you can follow — even if spreadsheets normally make you want to run for the hills.
What if I don’t have a plot yet?
Start with Foundation - The Plot Viability Playbook.
It teaches you how to assess plots, avoid overpaying, and understand whether a project is viable before you commit.
How to control land and get planning before buying.
It’s the perfect foundation for anyone still exploring options.
What if I already have planning permission?
Fundamentals is the perfect follow on from Foundations and you will only pay the exclusive upgrade price.
It covers cost planning, tendering, contract understanding, valuations, variations, and contingency — the exact disciplines you need before you appoint a contractor.
Is this a replacement for professional project management?
No — it’s a way to become an informed, confident client.
If you’re in the Home Counties and want professional oversight, By Carnaby offers direct project management.
The courses give you the knowledge to understand the process, protect your budget, and make better decisions — whether you manage the project yourself or hire support.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes — a 7 day, no‑questions‑asked guarantee.
If the course isn’t right for you, just let us know and you’ll receive a full refund.
“I thought finding a plot was just about scrolling Rightmove. Foundations showed me how developers actually assess viability — and it completely changed how I looked at land. The ability to quickly appraise land value on QSPro meant I walked away from two plots I was in danger of buying emotionally. When I eventually secured my plot I knew my numbers were right. This course paid for itself a hundred times over.”
European LED Product Manager
“I had planning permission and a builder lined up, but I didn’t understand the numbers well enough to feel in control. Foundations along with QSPro gave me the structure I was missing — cost plan, tendering, valuations, variations. For the first time I felt like the client, not a passenger. My contractor even commented on how organised I was. This course gave me confidence I didn’t know I was missing.”
Company Director
“This course is the closest thing I've experienced to sitting beside a professional developer. The appraisal modelling alone changed how I approach every decision. I now have a clearer understanding of finance, procurement, negotiation, and contract administration at a level no one else teaches. I’m now using QSPro to run my project like a developer — and it shows.”
Managing Director

7-day money-back guarantee. If Foundation isn't right for you, email us within seven days for a full refund — no questions asked.
Finding the right piece of land is often the greatest challenge facing a self builder. Register with our Plot Finder Service and let By Carnaby do the searching for you. Drawing on our extensive knowledge of the land market across the Home Counties, we will work to identify plots that match your requirements and bring them to your attention as they become available.
Start with Foundation - Exclusive Upgrade Pricing when you’re ready - Begin your Academy journey
★★★★★
Foundations showed me how developers actually assess viability.
Neil.H