New-build homes in the Lothians

Covering The Lothians

Our new-build homes service in the Lothians covers Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg and more.

Homes in the Lothians

Scottish homes range from city tenements and sandstone terraces to bungalows and modern estates, and the building warrant process shapes the programme for every project.

What is included in a new-build home in the Lothians?

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
Building regulations design and warranty liaison
Groundworks, services and drainage connections

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 the Lothians?

Scottish projects follow a different process from England: the council issues a building warrant before work starts and accepts a completion certificate at the end, alongside any planning permission needed. We prepare both applications.

This needs planning permission and a building warrant from your council in Scotland before work starts.

What should I think about before starting?

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.

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.
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.

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.

How long does it take to build a house?

Usually 30 to 52 weeks on site, depending on size and method of construction.

Can you visit a house in the Lothians 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 The Lothians.