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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, 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 Christchurch 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Services connections
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Specification and energy systems
- Site access and demolition
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Christchurch?
Approvals for a new build home in Christchurch follow the rules for 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical new build home we handle:
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Structural and services design
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Christchurch
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
If your home is in Christchurch or close by in Bournemouth, New Milton and Poole, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about new build homes in Christchurch
Do you build new build homes in Christchurch?
Yes. We build new build homes across Christchurch, including postcodes BH23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.
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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, 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.