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 Stornoway?
In Stornoway, 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. Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. 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:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Specification
- 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 Stornoway?
Approvals for a small housing development in Stornoway follow the rules for 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical small housing development we handle:
- Handover packs for each home
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- House construction to building regulations
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Pre-construction cost plan
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 Stornoway
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Projects in Stornoway are taken on by arrangement. We confirm availability first, and shipping, travel and accommodation costs are shown separately in the quote.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Stornoway
Do you build small housing developments in Stornoway?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Stornoway, including postcodes HS1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a small housing development in Stornoway?
In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
How much does a small housing development cost in Stornoway?
In Stornoway, 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.
