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 Belfast?
In Belfast, 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. That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. 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:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Number and size of homes
- Ground conditions
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 Belfast?
Before anything is built in Belfast, 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- External works and landscaping
- Handover packs for each home
- Utility connections
- House construction to building regulations
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Design development and discharge of conditions
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Belfast
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Projects in Belfast (BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about small housing developments in Belfast
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
How much does a small housing development cost in Belfast?
In Belfast, 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 build small housing developments in Belfast?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Belfast, including postcodes BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Belfast?
In Northern Ireland small schemes need planning permission and building control approval, with road adoption agreed with DfI Roads where relevant.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.