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 Gwynedd?
In Gwynedd, a small housing development typically costs £1,650–£2,500 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 £660,000–£1,000,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Wales, where labour and materials are typically about 8% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £462,000–£700,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £660,000–£1,000,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £924,000–£1,400,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,500 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Ground conditions
- Site access and phasing
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- 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 Gwynedd?
Approvals for a small housing development in Gwynedd follow the rules for Wales. In Wales small schemes need full planning permission and, for most new buildings, sustainable drainage approval from the SuDS approval body. New homes must have sprinklers.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a small housing development:
- House construction to building regulations
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Handover packs for each home
- External works and landscaping
- Warranty and building control inspections
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 Gwynedd
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
Towns we cover in Gwynedd include Bangor, Llandudno, Holyhead and Caernarfon.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Gwynedd
How much does a small housing development cost in Gwynedd?
In Gwynedd, a small housing development typically costs £1,650–£2,500 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 £660,000–£1,000,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
Who approves a small housing development in Gwynedd?
Planning matters in Gwynedd go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Gwynedd?
In Wales small schemes need full planning permission and, for most new buildings, sustainable drainage approval from the SuDS approval body. New homes must have sprinklers.
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.
