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 Irvine?
In Irvine, a small housing development typically costs £1,750–£2,600 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 £700,000–£1,040,000. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Irvine are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £490,000–£728,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £700,000–£1,040,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £980,000–£1,456,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,600 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Ground conditions
- Site access and phasing
- Number and size of homes
- 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 Irvine?
Before anything is built in Irvine, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Utility connections
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Pre-construction cost plan
- House construction to building regulations
- Handover packs for each home
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 Irvine
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
If your home is in Irvine or close by in Kilwinning, Saltcoats and Troon, a free home visit is the first step.
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about small housing developments in Irvine
How much does a small housing development cost in Irvine?
In Irvine, a small housing development typically costs £1,750–£2,600 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 £700,000–£1,040,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Irvine?
In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
How long does a small housing development take in Irvine?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.