Knock down and rebuild in Downpatrick

Covering Downpatrick

Alongside Downpatrick, we also cover Comber (15 miles to the north), Newtownards and Lisburn.

Homes in County Down

Northern Ireland has a high proportion of detached houses and bungalows outside the cities, which often suit side extensions, rear extensions and upward extensions.

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.

Planning application for the replacement dwelling
Asbestos survey, demolition notice and service disconnections
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

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

Typical ranges for knock down and rebuild. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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 Downpatrick?

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.
Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.

How does the project run?

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.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Knock down and rebuild: common questions

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 Downpatrick?

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

Knock down and rebuild in nearby towns

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