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 St Albans?
In St Albans, 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. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for St Albans. 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:
- Ground conditions
- Specification
- Number and size of homes
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
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 St Albans?
The approval route for St Albans 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a small housing development:
- Utility connections
- House construction to building regulations
- External works and landscaping
- Handover packs for each home
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
How long does it take?
Allow 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 St Albans
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
From AL1 outwards, we take on projects throughout St Albans and the surrounding parts of Hertfordshire.
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in St Albans
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Do you build small housing developments in St Albans?
Yes. We build small housing developments across St Albans, including postcodes AL1 and AL3. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
How much does a small housing development cost in St Albans?
In St Albans, 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.