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 Peterborough?
In Peterborough, a new build home typically costs £2,100–£3,400 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 £315,000–£510,000. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £220,500–£357,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £315,000–£510,000 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £441,000–£714,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,100–£3,400 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Services connections
- Size and complexity of the house
- Site access and demolition
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a new build home in Peterborough?
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
Handled as part of most new build homes:
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Building control completion and warranty liaison
- Site appraisal and feasibility
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Structural and services design
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Peterborough
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
From PE1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Peterborough and the surrounding parts of Cambridgeshire.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Peterborough
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.
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 Peterborough?
In Peterborough, a new build home typically costs £2,100–£3,400 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 £315,000–£510,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a new build home in Peterborough?
Planning matters in Peterborough 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.
