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 Dorset?
In Dorset, 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. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Dorset reflects that. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- External works and landscaping
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Specification and energy systems
- 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 Dorset?
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.
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:
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Structural and services design
- 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 Dorset
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Towns we cover in Dorset include Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Christchurch.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about new build homes in Dorset
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.
How much does a new build home cost in Dorset?
In Dorset, 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.
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).
Do you build new build homes in Dorset?
Yes. We build new build homes across Dorset, including postcodes BA22, BH1, BH10, BH11 and BH12. Every project starts with a free home visit.