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 Hackney?
In Hackney, a new build home typically costs £2,600–£4,150 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 £390,000–£622,500. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Hackney are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £273,000–£436,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £390,000–£622,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £546,000–£871,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,600–£4,150 |
What moves the price most:
- Site access and demolition
- Size and complexity of the house
- Specification and energy systems
- External works and landscaping
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Hackney?
The approval route for Hackney is set by planning law 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:
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Superstructure, roof and windows
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Hackney
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Our Hackney coverage includes postcode districts E2, E8 and E20, and we also work in nearby places such as Leyton, Bow and Stratford.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Hackney
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.
How much does a new build home cost in Hackney?
In Hackney, a new build home typically costs £2,600–£4,150 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 £390,000–£622,500. 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.
Who approves a new build home in Hackney?
Planning matters in Hackney go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does a new build take?
A typical house takes 9 to 14 months on site after approvals.
