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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a small housing development typically costs £2,350–£3,500 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 £940,000–£1,400,000. Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Forest Hill. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £658,000–£980,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £940,000–£1,400,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,316,000–£1,960,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Specification
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Site access and phasing
- Ground conditions
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 Forest Hill?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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
On a typical small housing development we handle:
- Handover packs for each home
- Warranty and building control inspections
- House construction to building regulations
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Pre-construction cost plan
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 Forest Hill
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Projects in Forest Hill (SE23) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Forest Hill
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a small housing development typically costs £2,350–£3,500 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 £940,000–£1,400,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a small housing development in Forest Hill?
Planning matters in Forest Hill go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.