Covering Wantage
Our coverage around Wantage (OX12) also includes Didcot (8 miles to the east) and Abingdon.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What does a knock down and rebuild involve?
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.
- Planning application for the replacement dwelling
- Demolition and site clearance
- New foundations, structure and full fit-out
How much should I budget for a knock down and rebuild?
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 |
How is a knock down and rebuild approved in Wantage?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
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 Wantage homeowners check first?
- 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.
What are the steps?
- 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.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Your questions answered
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.
What happens about asbestos?
An asbestos survey is done before demolition and any asbestos is removed safely first.
How do I get a price for knock down and rebuild in Wantage?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Knock down and rebuild in nearby towns
- Knock down and rebuild in Didcot
- Knock down and rebuild in Abingdon
- Knock down and rebuild in Oxford
- Knock down and rebuild in Newbury
Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Wantage.

