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 Birmingham?
In Birmingham, a small housing development typically costs £1,750–£2,600 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 £700,000–£1,040,000. Prices in the West Midlands sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Birmingham reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £490,000–£728,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £700,000–£1,040,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £980,000–£1,456,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,600 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Number and size of homes
- Site access and phasing
- Specification
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Birmingham?
Here is how the rules work for a small housing development 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.
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:
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- House construction to building regulations
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Pre-construction cost plan
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Birmingham
The West Midlands has large numbers of 1930s semis and Victorian terraces, which suit rear extensions, side extensions and dormer loft conversions.
From B1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Birmingham and the surrounding parts of the West Midlands.
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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 small housing developments in Birmingham
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.
Who approves a small housing development in Birmingham?
Planning matters in Birmingham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How much does a small housing development cost in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, a small housing development typically costs £1,750–£2,600 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 £700,000–£1,040,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.