What is a small housing development?
A small housing development is a scheme of a few new homes, typically two to nine, on a single site. We work with landowners, small developers and investors to build schemes that already have planning permission, or help take a site through planning first.
How much does a small housing development cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, a small housing development typically costs £1,550–£2,300 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). For a typical 400 m² project that is roughly £620,000–£920,000. The guide for Antrim reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £434,000–£644,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £620,000–£920,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £868,000–£1,288,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,300 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Site access and phasing
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Ground conditions
- Number and size of homes
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 small housing development in Antrim?
Before anything is built in Antrim, we confirm which approvals apply in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland small schemes need planning permission and building control approval, with road adoption agreed with DfI Roads where relevant.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Handover packs for each home
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Warranty and building control inspections
- House construction to building regulations
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- External works and landscaping
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Antrim
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
We work across Antrim and neighbouring areas such as Ballymena, Newtownabbey and Belfast. Postcodes we cover in Antrim include BT41.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Antrim
Who approves a small housing development in Antrim?
Planning matters in Antrim 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 small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
How much does a small housing development cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, a small housing development typically costs £1,550–£2,300 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). A typical 400 m² project comes to roughly £620,000–£920,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Antrim?
In Northern Ireland small schemes need planning permission and building control approval, with road adoption agreed with DfI Roads where relevant.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.