Covering Dunstable
Alongside Dunstable, we also cover Luton, Leighton Buzzard (6 miles to the west) and Harpenden.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
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.
- Design, planning application and discharge of conditions
- Groundworks, services and drainage connections
- Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
How much should I budget for a new-build home?
Guide prices for new-build homes, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 Dunstable?
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 affect a new-build home?
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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 Dunstable 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 in nearby towns
- New-build homes in Luton
- New-build homes in Leighton Buzzard
- New-build homes in Harpenden
- New-build homes in Berkhamsted
Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Dunstable.

