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 Belfast?
In Belfast, a new build home typically costs £1,700–£2,750 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 £255,000–£412,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Northern Ireland, where labour and materials are typically about 14% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £178,500–£289,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £255,000–£412,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £357,000–£577,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,750 |
What moves the price most:
- Specification and energy systems
- Size and complexity of the house
- Site access and demolition
- External works and landscaping
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Belfast?
Approvals for a new build home in Belfast follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a new home needs planning permission from the council and building control approval.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
Handled as part of most new build homes:
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Design and planning application
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Superstructure, roof and windows
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals come first and typically take 4 to 9 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Belfast
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
If your home is in Belfast or close by in Newtownabbey, Lisburn and Newtownards, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about new build homes in Belfast
Do I need planning permission for a new build home in Belfast?
In Northern Ireland a new home needs planning permission from the council and building control approval.
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.
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 you build new build homes in Belfast?
Yes. We build new build homes across Belfast, including postcodes BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a new build home cost in Belfast?
In Belfast, a new build home typically costs £1,700–£2,750 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 £255,000–£412,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.