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 Nelson?
In Nelson, 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. The guide for Nelson reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. 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:
- Specification and energy systems
- Size and complexity of the house
- Site access and demolition
- 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 Nelson?
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Design and planning application
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 Nelson
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
If your home is in Nelson or close by in Colne, Burnley and Accrington, 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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and 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 Nelson
How long does a new build home take in Nelson?
Typically 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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 Nelson?
In Nelson, 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.
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.
