New-build homes: Costs, Planning & Design and Build

What is a new-build home?

A new-build home is a house built from the ground up on a plot, whether a one-off self-build for your family or a small group of homes. Building a new dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT when carried out by a VAT-registered builder, which is a major cost difference from extensions and renovations.

Newly completed contemporary detached house in brick and render with a glazed gable

We can take a plot from feasibility through planning, detailed design, building regulations, construction and handover, or build to a design and planning permission you already have. The structure can be traditional masonry or timber frame, and we work to the energy and ventilation rules that apply to new homes in each nation.

Typical time on site: 30 to 52 weeks
Guide price: £2,000 to £3,600 per m²
Building regulations: Required

What is included?

Plot appraisal and feasibility
Design, planning application and discharge of conditions
Building regulations design and warranty liaison
Groundworks, services and drainage connections
Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
Full internal fit-out and landscaping

How much does a new-build home cost?

A 150 m² detached family house at a good specification typically costs around £375,000 to £450,000 to build, excluding the plot and fees.

New-build homes	Guide price
Standard specification	£2,000 to £2,500 per m²
Good specification	£2,500 to £3,000 per m²
High specification	£3,000 to £3,600 per m²

Unit: per m² of floor area (VAT zero-rated where it qualifies). Guide ranges only; your price is fixed in writing after the survey.

Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your size and specification, or see all guide prices.

Does a new-build home need planning permission?

England

This needs full planning permission from the council. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer. Decisions on minor applications usually take around eight weeks once validated.

Wales

This needs full planning permission from your council in Wales. We prepare and submit the application and deal with the planning officer on your behalf.

Scotland

This needs planning permission and a building warrant from your council in Scotland before work starts. We prepare both applications.

Northern Ireland

This needs full planning permission from the council in Northern Ireland, plus building control approval.

What about building regulations?

Full building regulations approval for a new dwelling, including energy performance calculations and an energy certificate on completion. Mortgage lenders normally expect a structural warranty or professional consultant’s certificate.

What should I think about before starting?

Utility connections (water, sewer, power) can take months to arrange, so we apply early.
Most lenders want a structural warranty or architect’s certificate on a new home.
Self-builders can usually reclaim VAT on certain materials through HMRC’s DIY housebuilders scheme where they buy them directly.
Planning conditions often need discharging before work starts.

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.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about new-build homes

How much does it cost to build a new house?

Typically £2,000 to £3,600 per square metre to build, depending on specification, ground conditions and design. New dwellings are usually zero-rated for VAT.

Is VAT charged on building a new house?

Building a new dwelling is usually zero-rated when done by a VAT-registered builder. We confirm the position for your project.

Can you help with planning on a plot?

Yes. We appraise the plot, prepare the design and submit the application.

How long does it take to build a house?

Usually 30 to 52 weeks on site, depending on size and method of construction.

Do I need a structural warranty?

If you need a mortgage or may sell within ten years, a structural warranty or professional consultant’s certificate is usually required.

Related projects

Guides

Where do we build new-build homes?

We take on new-build homes across England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland. Choose your area: