New-build homes in County Down

Covering County Down

Our coverage across County Down includes Bangor, Newtownards, Newry and Banbridge.

Homes in County Down

Across Northern Ireland you find city terraces, suburban semis and rural bungalows and farmhouses, so the right approach depends on the plot and the planning history.

What goes into 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.

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

How much does a new-build home cost in County Down?

Use these ranges to budget for new-build homes; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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

How is a new-build home approved in County Down?

In Northern Ireland the council handles both planning and building control. Permitted development rules are set by the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015, and there is no party wall act, so we agree access and protection with neighbours in writing.

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

What should County Down homeowners check first?

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.

From first call to completion

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 new-build home in County Down

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.

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.

Can you visit a house in County Down 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.

New-build homes near County Down

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