What is a new build home?
A new build home is a house built from the ground up on a cleared plot, a garden plot or a replacement-dwelling site. We work with plot owners and self-builders to design, gain approvals and build the house, either to a fixed design or from initial ideas.
Building work on a new dwelling is normally zero-rated for VAT when carried out by a VAT-registered builder, which makes a big difference to the overall budget.
What we handle
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Design and planning application
- Structural and services design
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
Options to consider
Replacement dwelling
Demolish an old house or bungalow and build new.
Garden plot
Build a new house in a large garden, subject to planning.
Self-build support
We build to your architect’s design.
Energy-efficient homes
Heat pumps, high insulation and solar panels designed in.
How much does a new build home cost?
A new build home typically costs £2,000–£3,200 per m² of floor area (build cost) across the UK, including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). A typical 150 m² project comes to roughly £300,000–£480,000. Build time is usually 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (per m² of floor area (build cost)) |
|---|---|
| London | £2,600–£4,150 |
| South East | £2,250–£3,600 |
| East of England | £2,100–£3,400 |
| South West | £2,050–£3,250 |
| West Midlands | £1,950–£3,100 |
| East Midlands | £1,900–£3,050 |
| North West | £1,900–£3,000 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £1,850–£3,000 |
| North East | £1,800–£2,900 |
| Wales | £1,850–£2,950 |
| Scotland | £1,950–£3,100 |
| Northern Ireland | £1,700–£2,750 |
What changes the price:
- Size and complexity of the house
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Specification and energy systems
- Services connections
- Site access and demolition
- External works and landscaping
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England a new home needs full planning permission (or permission in principle followed by technical details consent). Councils assess design, access, neighbours and drainage, and the Community Infrastructure Levy may apply, though self-builders can claim an exemption before starting.
Wales
In Wales a new home needs full planning permission. Welsh building regulations require automatic fire suppression (sprinklers) in new homes, and sustainable drainage approval from the council’s SuDS approval body is needed for most new buildings.
Scotland
In Scotland a new home needs planning permission and a building warrant before work starts.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland a new home needs planning permission from the council and building control approval.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Surveys, design and approvals usually take 4 to 9 months beforehand.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, discuss what you want and measure up.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, calculations and an itemised price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development, building regulations and neighbour matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
Built to a written programme, with a completion certificate at the end.
New build homes: questions and answers
Is VAT charged on building a new house?
Construction services for a new dwelling are normally zero-rated when supplied by a VAT-registered builder. Self-builders who buy materials directly can reclaim VAT through HMRC’s DIY housebuilders scheme.
Do I need planning permission?
Yes. A new dwelling always needs full planning permission (or permission in principle followed by technical details consent in England).
What warranty will a new home need?
Lenders usually require a structural warranty or a professional consultant’s certificate. The warranty is arranged before work starts, and the provider inspects the build at key stages.
How long does a new build take?
A typical house takes 9 to 14 months on site after approvals.
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.