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 Cambridge?
In Cambridge, 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. Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Cambridge are adjusted to reflect that. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Size and complexity of the house
- Specification and energy systems
- Services connections
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 Cambridge?
Here is how the rules work for a new build home 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Structural and services design
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Design and planning application
- 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 Cambridge
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
We work across Cambridge and neighbouring areas such as Newmarket, Ely and Huntingdon. Postcodes we cover in Cambridge include CB5, CB21, CB22 and CB23.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Cambridge
How long does a new build take?
A typical house takes 9 to 14 months on site after approvals.
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).
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.
Do you build new build homes in Cambridge?
Yes. We build new build homes across Cambridge, including postcodes CB5, CB21, CB22 and CB23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a new build home cost in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, 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.