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 Derby?
In Derby, a new build home typically costs £1,900–£3,050 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 £285,000–£457,500. That range is adjusted for the East Midlands, where domestic building work typically costs around 5% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £199,500–£320,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £285,000–£457,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £399,000–£640,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£3,050 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Site access and demolition
- Size and complexity of the house
- Services connections
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 Derby?
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a new build home:
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Design and planning application
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Internal fit-out and finishes
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Derby
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Projects in Derby (DE1) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Derby
How long does a new build home take in Derby?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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 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 Derby?
In Derby, a new build home typically costs £1,900–£3,050 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 £285,000–£457,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.
