Covering Bedford
Our coverage around Bedford (MK40) also includes St Neots, Rushden and Milton Keynes.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What is a knock down and rebuild?
Knock down and rebuild means demolishing an existing house and building a new one in its place, often a bungalow or poorly built post-war house replaced by a larger, more efficient home. Because the new house counts as a new dwelling, the build is usually zero-rated for VAT.
- Asbestos survey, demolition notice and service disconnections
- Demolition and site clearance
- Reconnection of services and landscaping
What is the guide price for a knock down and rebuild in Bedford?
Guide prices for knock down and rebuild, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Knock down and rebuild | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Demolition and site clearance (total) | £15,000 to £35,000 |
| Rebuild, standard specification (per m²) | £2,100 to £2,600 per m² |
| Rebuild, good specification (per m²) | £2,600 to £3,100 per m² |
| Rebuild, high specification (per m²) | £3,100 to £3,700 per m² |
Do you need permission for a knock down and rebuild in Bedford?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
This needs full planning permission from the council. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.
What can affect a knock down and rebuild?
- A replacement dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT where the old house is demolished completely to ground level.
- Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.
From first call to completion
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Knock down and rebuild: common questions
Is VAT charged on a knock down and rebuild?
Usually not on the new house, if the old one is demolished completely and the new building is a qualifying dwelling.
Do I need planning permission?
Yes, for the replacement dwelling.
How do I get a price for knock down and rebuild in Bedford?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Also covering
- Knock down and rebuild in St Neots
- Knock down and rebuild in Rushden
- Knock down and rebuild in Milton Keynes
- Knock down and rebuild in Letchworth Garden City
Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Bedford.

