Covering Hoddesdon
We work in Hoddesdon (EN11) and the places around it, including Hertford, Cheshunt and Waltham Abbey.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
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.
- Demolition and site clearance
- New foundations, structure and full fit-out
- Reconnection of services and landscaping
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 |
Planning and building rules in Hoddesdon
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.
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.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- 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.
What happens about asbestos?
An asbestos survey is done before demolition and any asbestos is removed safely first.
Can you visit a house in Hoddesdon 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
- Knock down and rebuild in Hertford
- Knock down and rebuild in Cheshunt
- Knock down and rebuild in Waltham Abbey
- Knock down and rebuild in Harlow
Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Hoddesdon.

