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 Derry?
In Derry, 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. The guide for Derry reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Number and size of homes
- Specification
- 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 Derry?
Before anything is built in Derry, 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
On a typical small housing development we handle:
- External works and landscaping
- House construction to building regulations
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Utility connections
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Handover packs for each home
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 Derry
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
From BT47 outwards, we take on projects throughout Derry and the surrounding parts of County Londonderry.
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 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 Derry
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Derry?
In Northern Ireland small schemes need planning permission and building control approval, with road adoption agreed with DfI Roads where relevant.
Who approves a small housing development in Derry?
Planning matters in Derry go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a small housing development cost in Derry?
In Derry, 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.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.