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 Heavitree?
In Heavitree, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Heavitree are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £518,000–£770,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £740,000–£1,100,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,036,000–£1,540,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,750 |
What moves the price most:
- Site access and phasing
- Ground conditions
- Number and size of homes
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
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 Heavitree?
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- House construction to building regulations
- Handover packs for each home
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- External works and landscaping
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 months.
Building in Heavitree
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
From EX2 outwards, we take on projects throughout Heavitree and the surrounding parts of Devon.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Heavitree
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
How long does a small housing development take in Heavitree?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How much does a small housing development cost in Heavitree?
In Heavitree, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. 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.
