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 Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a small housing development typically costs £1,650–£2,500 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 £660,000–£1,000,000. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Cardiff are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £462,000–£700,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £660,000–£1,000,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £924,000–£1,400,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Site access and phasing
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Ground conditions
- 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 Cardiff?
Approvals for a small housing development in Cardiff follow the rules for Wales. In Wales small schemes need full planning permission and, for most new buildings, sustainable drainage approval from the SuDS approval body. New homes must have sprinklers.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- External works and landscaping
- House construction to building regulations
- Utility connections
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Warranty and building control inspections
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 months.
Building in Cardiff
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
Cardiff sits in South Glamorgan. We cover the whole of Cardiff, including postcodes CF10, CF11, CF14 and CF15.
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 in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Cardiff
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Cardiff?
In Wales small schemes need full planning permission and, for most new buildings, sustainable drainage approval from the SuDS approval body. New homes must have sprinklers.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Who approves a small housing development in Cardiff?
Planning matters in Cardiff go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
How much does a small housing development cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a small housing development typically costs £1,650–£2,500 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 £660,000–£1,000,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.