New-build homes in Portsmouth

Covering Portsmouth

Portsmouth sits 15 miles south-east of Southampton, with Gosport 2 miles to the west and Fareham 5 miles to the north-west.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.

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 does a new-build home cost in Portsmouth?

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

Planning and building rules in Portsmouth

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?

Utility connections (water, sewer, power) can take months to arrange, so we apply early.
Planning conditions often need discharging before work starts.

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
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.

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 do I get a price for new-build homes in Portsmouth?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Also covering

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