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 the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a new build home typically costs £1,950–£3,100 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 £292,500–£465,000. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for the Highlands and Islands are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £205,000–£325,500 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £292,500–£465,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £409,500–£651,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,950–£3,100 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Ground conditions and foundations
- External works and landscaping
- Site access and demolition
- Size and complexity of the house
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 the Highlands and Islands?
Approvals for a new build home in the Highlands and Islands follow the rules for Scotland. In Scotland a new home needs planning permission and a building warrant before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical new build home we handle:
- Structural and services design
- Design and planning application
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
How long does it take?
Allow 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 the Highlands and Islands
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Towns we cover in the Highlands and Islands include Inverness, Stornoway, Fort William, Nairn, Thurso and Kirkwall.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 the Highlands and Islands
How much does a new build home cost in the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a new build home typically costs £1,950–£3,100 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 £292,500–£465,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a new build home take in the Highlands and Islands?
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 for a new build home in the Highlands and Islands?
In Scotland a new home needs planning permission and a building warrant before work starts.
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.
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.
Can you build to my architect’s design?
Yes. We price and build from your drawings, or we can manage the design for you.