Covering Tonbridge
Our coverage around Tonbridge (TN9) also includes Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Crowborough.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
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 |
Do you need permission for a new-build home in Tonbridge?
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 should Tonbridge homeowners check first?
- Utility connections (water, sewer, power) can take months to arrange, so we apply early.
- Self-builders can usually reclaim VAT on certain materials through HMRC’s DIY housebuilders scheme where they buy them directly.
How does the project run?
- 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.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Questions about a new-build home in Tonbridge
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.
How do I get a price for new-build homes in Tonbridge?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
New-build homes near Tonbridge
- New-build homes in Tunbridge Wells
- New-build homes in Sevenoaks
- New-build homes in Crowborough
- New-build homes in Maidstone
Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Tonbridge.

