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 Dumbarton?
In Dumbarton, 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 Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Dumbarton 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Ground conditions
- Site access and phasing
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Dumbarton?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Scotland. In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Handover packs for each home
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Dumbarton
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Our Dumbarton coverage includes postcode districts G82, and we also work in nearby places such as Erskine, Clydebank and Greenock.
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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Dumbarton
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
How much does a small housing development cost in Dumbarton?
In Dumbarton, 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.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Dumbarton?
In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Do you build small housing developments in Dumbarton?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Dumbarton, including postcodes G82. Every project starts with a free home visit.
