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 Brighton?
In Brighton, a small housing development typically costs £2,000–£3,000 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 £800,000–£1,200,000. Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Brighton. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £560,000–£840,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £800,000–£1,200,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,120,000–£1,680,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Number and size of homes
- Site access and phasing
- 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 Brighton?
Approvals for a small housing development in Brighton follow the rules for 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- House construction to building regulations
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Utility connections
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Brighton
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Our Brighton coverage includes postcode districts BN2, and we also work in nearby places such as Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean.
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
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 Brighton
How long does a small housing development take in Brighton?
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.
How much does a small housing development cost in Brighton?
In Brighton, a small housing development typically costs £2,000–£3,000 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 £800,000–£1,200,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.