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 Hertfordshire?
In Hertfordshire, a small housing development typically costs £1,900–£2,850 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 £760,000–£1,140,000. Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Hertfordshire are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £532,000–£798,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £760,000–£1,140,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,064,000–£1,596,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,850 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Site access and phasing
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
- 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 Hertfordshire?
Here is how the rules work for a small housing development 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
What we take care of:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Utility connections
- Handover packs for each home
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Design development and discharge of conditions
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 Hertfordshire
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Towns we cover in Hertfordshire include Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Cheshunt.
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
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Hertfordshire
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.
How much does a small housing development cost in Hertfordshire?
In Hertfordshire, a small housing development typically costs £1,900–£2,850 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 £760,000–£1,140,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a small housing development in Hertfordshire?
Planning matters in Hertfordshire go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.