Knock down and rebuild in County Down

Covering County Down

We cover County Down, including Bangor, Newtownards, Newry and Banbridge, and the towns around them.

Homes in County Down

Across Northern Ireland you find city terraces, suburban semis and rural bungalows and farmhouses, so the right approach depends on the plot and the planning history.

What do you get with 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.

Planning and building control applications to the council
Planning application for the replacement dwelling
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

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

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

Planning and building rules in County Down

Projects in Northern Ireland need planning clearance from one of the eleven councils and building control approval, also from the council. The Party Wall etc. Act does not extend to Northern Ireland, so work near neighbours is agreed directly and documented carefully.

This needs full planning permission from the council in Northern Ireland, plus building control approval.

What should I think about before starting?

A replacement dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT where the old house is demolished completely to ground level.
You will need somewhere to live for most of a year.

How does the project run?

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
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.

How long does it take?

Around 36 to 60 weeks including demolition.

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

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

Other towns nearby

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