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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Ground conditions and foundations
- External works and landscaping
- Specification and energy systems
- Site access and demolition
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 County Antrim?
Here is how the rules work for a new build home in 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a new build home:
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Structural and services design
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Site appraisal and feasibility
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 County Antrim
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
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
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 County Antrim
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 for a new build home in County Antrim?
In Northern Ireland a new home needs planning permission from the council and building control approval.
How much does a new build home cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, 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.
How long does a new build home take in County Antrim?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.
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.