Covering Washington
Washington is about 6 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne. We also cover Chester-le-Street (4 miles to the south-west), Felling and Houghton-le-Spring.
Homes in the North East
Housing across the North East ranges from colliery terraces and Tyneside flats to suburban semis and modern estates, each with different options for extending.
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 does a new-build home cost in Washington?
What new-build homes typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
What approvals does a new-build home need in England?
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.
What can change the price or programme?
- 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.
From first call to completion
- 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
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.
Do you work in Washington?
Yes. Washington is within our coverage for new-build homes, along with nearby Chester-le-Street and Felling.
New-build homes in nearby towns
- New-build homes in Chester-le-Street
- New-build homes in Felling
- New-build homes in Houghton-le-Spring
- New-build homes in Hebburn
Learn more about new-build homes, or see every project we cover in Washington.

