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 Preston?
In Preston, 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. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Services connections
- Ground conditions and foundations
- Size and complexity of the house
- Site access and demolition
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 Preston?
Before anything is built in Preston, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Superstructure, roof and windows
- Internal fit-out and finishes
- Structural and services design
- Groundworks, foundations and drainage
- Design and planning application
How long does it take?
Allow 9 to 14 months on site for a typical house. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 4 to 9 months.
Building in Preston
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
We work across Preston and neighbouring areas such as Leyland, Chorley and Blackburn. Postcodes we cover in Preston include PR0, PR1 and PR11.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about new build homes in Preston
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 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 Preston?
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 Preston?
In Preston, 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.
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.