Covering Hornchurch
Our coverage around Hornchurch (RM11, RM12) also includes Romford (2 miles to the north-west) and Dagenham.
Homes in London
Terraced houses dominate many London neighbourhoods, so most projects involve shared walls, narrow access and a party wall process. Conservation areas are widespread, and some boroughs have their own mansard and basement guidance.
What is included in a knock down and rebuild in Hornchurch?
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 is the guide price for a knock down and rebuild in Hornchurch?
Use these ranges to budget for knock down and rebuild; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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 |
What approvals does a knock down and rebuild need in England?
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. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.
What should I think about before starting?
- You will need somewhere to live for most of a year.
- Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.
How does the project run?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Questions about a knock down and rebuild in Hornchurch
Is it cheaper to knock down and rebuild or renovate?
It depends on the existing house. Where a house needs major structural work and a large extension, rebuilding can be similar cost and gives a better result. We compare both at feasibility.
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Hornchurch?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Knock down and rebuild near Hornchurch
- Knock down and rebuild in Romford
- Knock down and rebuild in Dagenham
- Knock down and rebuild in Becontree
- Knock down and rebuild in South Ockendon
Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Hornchurch.

