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 Barnstaple?
In Barnstaple, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Barnstaple reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £518,000–£770,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £740,000–£1,100,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,036,000–£1,540,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Ground conditions
- Number and size of homes
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Barnstaple?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England small schemes need full planning permission and may involve a section 106 agreement, the Community Infrastructure Levy, highways and drainage approvals, and biodiversity net gain where it applies.
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
What we take care of:
- Handover packs for each home
- External works and landscaping
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Pre-construction cost plan
- House construction to building regulations
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Barnstaple
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Projects in Barnstaple (EX31) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about small housing developments in Barnstaple
How much does a small housing development cost in Barnstaple?
In Barnstaple, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a small housing development take in Barnstaple?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
What about biodiversity net gain?
In England, biodiversity net gain rules apply to many developments, with exemptions for some small sites. We work with your ecologist to confirm what applies to your scheme.