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 Hampstead?
In Hampstead, 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. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Specification
- Site access and phasing
- Number and size of homes
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 Hampstead?
Before anything is built in Hampstead, we confirm which approvals apply 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:
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Handover packs for each home
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Pre-construction cost plan
- House construction to building regulations
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 months.
Building in Hampstead
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
If your home is in Hampstead or close by in Highgate, Golders Green and Camden, a free home visit is the first step.
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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Hampstead
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.
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 Hampstead?
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 Hampstead?
In Hampstead, 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.