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 Hornchurch?
In Hornchurch, 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. Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Hornchurch. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Ground conditions
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Number and size of homes
- Planning conditions and obligations
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 Hornchurch?
The approval route for Hornchurch 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- External works and landscaping
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- House construction to building regulations
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Handover packs for each home
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 Hornchurch
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
We work across Hornchurch and neighbouring areas such as Upminster, Romford and Dagenham. Postcodes we cover in Hornchurch include RM11 and RM12.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Hornchurch
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 Hornchurch?
In Hornchurch, 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.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
How long does a small housing development take in Hornchurch?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
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.