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 Hitchin?
In Hitchin, 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 Hitchin 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Specification
- Site access and phasing
- Planning conditions and obligations
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 Hitchin?
The approval route for Hitchin is set by planning law 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Utility connections
- Handover packs for each home
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Hitchin
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
We work across Hitchin and neighbouring areas such as Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage and Luton. Postcodes we cover in Hitchin include SG4 and SG5.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Hitchin
How much does a small housing development cost in Hitchin?
In Hitchin, 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.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
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.
Do you build small housing developments in Hitchin?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Hitchin, including postcodes SG4 and SG5. Every project starts with a free home visit.
