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 Falkirk?
In Falkirk, 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. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Falkirk are close to our national guide. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Ground conditions
- Number and size of homes
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 Falkirk?
Approvals for a small housing development in Falkirk follow the rules for 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.
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:
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Warranty and building control inspections
- House construction to building regulations
- Handover packs for each home
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Design development and discharge of conditions
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Falkirk
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
From FK1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Falkirk and the surrounding parts of Stirling and Falkirk.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Falkirk
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How long does a small housing development take in Falkirk?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
How much does a small housing development cost in Falkirk?
In Falkirk, 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 Falkirk?
In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
