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 Essex?
In Essex, a small housing development typically costs £1,900–£2,850 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 £760,000–£1,140,000. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Essex. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £532,000–£798,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £760,000–£1,140,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,064,000–£1,596,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,850 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Specification
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Number and size of homes
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 Essex?
Here is how the rules work for a small housing development in 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- External works and landscaping
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- House construction to building regulations
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Essex
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Towns we cover in Essex include Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester, Chelmsford, Harlow and Grays.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Essex
What about biodiversity net gain?
In England, biodiversity net gain rules apply to many developments, with exemptions for some small sites. We work with your ecologist to confirm what applies to your scheme.
How much does a small housing development cost in Essex?
In Essex, a small housing development typically costs £1,900–£2,850 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 £760,000–£1,140,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a small housing development in Essex?
Planning matters in Essex go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.