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.
How much does a new build home cost in Bedfordshire?
In Bedfordshire, a new build home typically costs £2,100–£3,400 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). For a typical 150 m² project that is roughly £315,000–£510,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East of England, where labour and materials are typically about 6% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £220,500–£357,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £315,000–£510,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £441,000–£714,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,100–£3,400 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Size and complexity of the house
- Services connections
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Specification and energy systems
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Bedfordshire?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Structural and services design
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Site appraisal and feasibility
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 4 to 9 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Bedfordshire
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Towns we cover in Bedfordshire include Luton, Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill and Kempston Hardwick.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about new build homes in Bedfordshire
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.
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 home take in Bedfordshire?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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).
How much does a new build home cost in Bedfordshire?
In Bedfordshire, a new build home typically costs £2,100–£3,400 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). A typical 150 m² project comes to roughly £315,000–£510,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.