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 Dunstable?
In Dunstable, 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. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- External works and landscaping
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Specification and energy systems
- Size and complexity of the house
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 Dunstable?
Before anything is built in Dunstable, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Structural and services design
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Site appraisal and feasibility
How long does it take?
Allow 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 4 to 9 months.
Building in Dunstable
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Our Dunstable coverage includes postcode districts LU6, and we also work in nearby places such as Luton, Leighton Buzzard and Harpenden.
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
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 Dunstable
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.
Who approves a new build home in Dunstable?
Planning matters in Dunstable go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 Dunstable?
In Dunstable, 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.
How long does a new build take?
A typical house takes 9 to 14 months on site after approvals.
