Covering Smethwick
Our coverage around Smethwick (B66) also includes West Bromwich (2 miles to the north-west) and Birmingham.
Homes in the West Midlands
Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.
What is included in a new-build home in Smethwick?
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
- Superstructure, roof, windows and external finishes
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 Smethwick
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.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
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.
Do you work in Smethwick?
Yes. Smethwick is within our coverage for new-build homes, along with nearby West Bromwich and Birmingham.
Also covering
- New-build homes in West Bromwich
- New-build homes in Birmingham
- New-build homes in Aston
- New-build homes in Bartley Green
Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Smethwick.

