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 Potters Bar?
In Potters Bar, 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. The guide for Potters Bar reflects typical costs in the East of England, roughly 6% above the UK-wide figure. 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
- Ground conditions
- Number and size of homes
- Site access and phasing
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 Potters Bar?
The approval route for Potters Bar 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Utility connections
- Pre-construction cost plan
- House construction to building regulations
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Design development and discharge of conditions
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 months.
Building in Potters Bar
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
We work across Potters Bar and neighbouring areas such as Barnet, Enfield and Borehamwood. Postcodes we cover in Potters Bar include EN6.
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 Potters Bar
How much does a small housing development cost in Potters Bar?
In Potters Bar, 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 Potters Bar?
Planning matters in Potters Bar 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.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
