Knock down and rebuild in Blackheath

Covering Blackheath

Blackheath is about 7 miles south-east of London. We also cover Greenwich (1 miles to the north-west), Catford and Eltham.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

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.

Planning application for the replacement dwelling
Demolition and site clearance
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

How much should I budget for a knock down and rebuild?

What knock down and rebuild typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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

How is a knock down and rebuild approved in Blackheath?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

This needs full planning permission from the council.

What should I think about before starting?

Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.
Asbestos is common in post-war houses and must be removed by licensed contractors where required.

What are the steps?

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.

What people ask before starting

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.

What happens about asbestos?

An asbestos survey is done before demolition and any asbestos is removed safely first.

Can you visit a house in Blackheath to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Other towns nearby

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