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 Lower Earley?
In Lower Earley, a new build home typically costs £2,250–£3,600 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 £337,500–£540,000. Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Lower Earley. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £236,000–£378,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £337,500–£540,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £472,500–£756,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,250–£3,600 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Site access and demolition
- Specification and energy systems
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Services connections
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 Lower Earley?
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most new build homes:
- Design and planning application
- Structural and services design
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- 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 Lower Earley
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Lower Earley or close by in Reading, Wokingham and Crowthorne, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
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 Lower Earley
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 long does a new build home take in Lower Earley?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
How much does a new build home cost in Lower Earley?
In Lower Earley, a new build home typically costs £2,250–£3,600 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 £337,500–£540,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 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.