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 Portsmouth?
In Portsmouth, a small housing development typically costs £2,000–£3,000 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 £800,000–£1,200,000. The guide for Portsmouth reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £560,000–£840,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £800,000–£1,200,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,120,000–£1,680,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Specification
- Number and size of homes
- Ground conditions
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 Portsmouth?
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a small housing development:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Utility connections
- House construction to building regulations
- Handover packs for each home
- Pre-construction cost plan
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 Portsmouth
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
From PO5 outwards, we take on projects throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding parts of Hampshire.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Portsmouth
How long does a small housing development take in Portsmouth?
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.
How much does a small housing development cost in Portsmouth?
In Portsmouth, a small housing development typically costs £2,000–£3,000 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 £800,000–£1,200,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.