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 Thurso?
In Thurso, 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:
- 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 Thurso?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Handover packs for each home
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- House construction to building regulations
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Utility connections
- Warranty and building control inspections
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 Thurso
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Projects in Thurso are taken on by arrangement. We confirm availability first, and any travel or accommodation costs are shown separately in the quote.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Thurso
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
Do you build small housing developments in Thurso?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Thurso, including postcodes KW14. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a small housing development cost in Thurso?
In Thurso, 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 I need planning permission for a small housing development in Thurso?
In Scotland small schemes need planning permission, building warrants for each home and, where new roads are built, roads construction consent.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
