New-build homes in Herne Bay

Covering Herne Bay

Alongside Herne Bay, we also cover Whitstable, Canterbury (7 miles to the south) and Faversham.

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 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.

Groundworks, services and drainage connections
Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
Full internal fit-out and landscaping

What will a new-build home cost?

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

Planning and building rules in Herne Bay

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. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.

What can affect a new-build 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.
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

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.

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.

Do you work in Herne Bay?

Yes. Herne Bay is within our coverage for new-build homes, along with nearby Whitstable and Canterbury.

Also covering

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