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 County Down?
In County Down, 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. Prices across Northern Ireland are typically 14% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for County Down. 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:
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Site access and phasing
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
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 County Down?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a small housing development:
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- External works and landscaping
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Utility connections
- Handover packs for each home
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 County Down
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Down include Bangor, Newtownards, Newry, Banbridge and Downpatrick.
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in County Down
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
Do you build small housing developments in County Down?
Yes. We build small housing developments across County Down, including postcodes BT18, BT19, BT22, BT24 and BT25. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in County Down?
In Northern Ireland small schemes need planning permission and building control approval, with road adoption agreed with DfI Roads where relevant.
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 County Down?
In County Down, 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.