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 Formby?
In Formby, a new build home typically costs £1,900–£3,000 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–£450,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £199,500–£315,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £285,000–£450,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £399,000–£630,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£3,000 |
What moves the price most:
- External works and landscaping
- Services connections
- Specification and energy systems
- Size and complexity of the house
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Formby?
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural and services design
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Design and planning application
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- 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 Formby
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
From L37 outwards, we take on projects throughout Formby and the surrounding parts of Merseyside.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about new build homes in Formby
How much does a new build home cost in Formby?
In Formby, a new build home typically costs £1,900–£3,000 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–£450,000. 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.
How long does a new build home take in Formby?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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).
Is Community Infrastructure Levy payable?
In areas with CIL, new homes may be liable. Self-builders can apply for an exemption before work starts.
