New-build homes in Cornwall

Covering Cornwall

We cover Cornwall, including Redruth, Falmouth, St Austell and Truro, and the towns around them.

Projects in Cornwall are taken on by arrangement, and any travel and accommodation costs for the team are shown openly in the quote.

Homes in the South West

The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.

What does a new-build home involve?

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.

Plot appraisal and feasibility
Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
Full internal fit-out and landscaping

What will a new-build home cost?

Typical ranges for new-build homes. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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

Planning and building rules in Cornwall

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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?

Utility connections (water, sewer, power) can take months to arrange, so we apply early.
Self-builders can usually reclaim VAT on certain materials through HMRC’s DIY housebuilders scheme where they buy them directly.

What happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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 visit a house in Cornwall 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.

Also covering

Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Cornwall.