Covering Letchworth Garden City
Letchworth Garden City is about 16 miles north of St Albans. We also cover Hitchin (3 miles to the south-west), Stevenage and Luton.
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 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.
- Groundworks, services and drainage connections
- Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
- Full internal fit-out and landscaping
How much should I budget for a new-build home?
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 Letchworth Garden City?
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?
- 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.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
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.
Can you visit a house in Letchworth Garden City 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
- New-build homes in Hitchin
- New-build homes in Stevenage
- New-build homes in Luton
- New-build homes in Welwyn Garden City
Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Letchworth Garden City.