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 Bournemouth?
In Bournemouth, a new build home typically costs £2,050–£3,250 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 £307,500–£487,500. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Bournemouth are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £215,000–£341,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £307,500–£487,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £430,500–£682,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£3,250 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- External works and landscaping
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Services connections
- 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 Bournemouth?
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Structural and services design
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Design and planning application
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Site appraisal and feasibility
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 4 to 9 months.
Building in Bournemouth
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Bournemouth sits in Dorset. We cover the whole of Bournemouth, including postcodes BH1, BH2, BH7 and BH10.
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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about new build homes in Bournemouth
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.
How long does a new build home take in Bournemouth?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
How much does a new build home cost in Bournemouth?
In Bournemouth, a new build home typically costs £2,050–£3,250 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 £307,500–£487,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.
