Knock down and rebuild in Tunbridge Wells

Covering Tunbridge Wells

Our coverage around Tunbridge Wells (TN1) also includes Tonbridge, Crowborough and Sevenoaks.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.

What is included in a knock down and rebuild in Tunbridge Wells?

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 will a knock down and rebuild cost?

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

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

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 change the price or programme?

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.

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.
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.

What people ask before starting

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.

Can you visit a house in Tunbridge Wells 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.

Knock down and rebuild in nearby towns

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