Knock down and rebuild in Chelsea

Covering Chelsea

Our coverage around Chelsea (SW3, SW10) also includes Battersea (1 miles to the south-east) and Fulham.

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 does a knock down and rebuild involve?

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
Reconnection of services and landscaping

What is the guide price for a knock down and rebuild in Chelsea?

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

Do you need permission for a knock down and rebuild in Chelsea?

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. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.

What can affect a knock down and rebuild?

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.

From first call to completion

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
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.

Questions about a knock down and rebuild in Chelsea

How long does it take?

Around 36 to 60 weeks including demolition.

What happens about asbestos?

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

Who deals with the council for a project in Chelsea?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

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