Knock down and rebuild in Bedfordshire

Covering Bedfordshire

Our coverage across Bedfordshire includes Luton, Bedford, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.

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?

We assess whether rebuilding is better value than extending and renovating, prepare the planning application for the replacement dwelling, manage the demolition notice and asbestos survey, then build the new home. The process runs much like a new build once the old house is cleared.

Asbestos survey, demolition notice and service disconnections
Demolition and site clearance
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

What will a knock down and rebuild cost?

Indicative costs for knock down and rebuild. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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

What approvals does a knock down and rebuild need in England?

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 should Bedfordshire homeowners check first?

A replacement dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT where the old house is demolished completely to ground level.
Asbestos is common in post-war houses and must be removed by licensed contractors where required.

What are the steps?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Your questions answered

Is it cheaper to knock down and rebuild or renovate?

It depends on the existing house. Where a house needs major structural work and a large extension, rebuilding can be similar cost and gives a better result. We compare both at feasibility.

Do I need planning permission?

Yes, for the replacement dwelling.

How do I get a price for knock down and rebuild in Bedfordshire?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Knock down and rebuild in nearby towns

Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Bedfordshire.