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 Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, a small housing development typically costs £1,600–£2,450 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 £640,000–£980,000. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Tyne and Wear are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £448,000–£686,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £640,000–£980,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £896,000–£1,372,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,450 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Specification
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- 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 Tyne and Wear?
Approvals for a small housing development in Tyne and Wear follow the rules for 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- External works and landscaping
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Handover packs for each home
- House construction to building regulations
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 months.
Building in Tyne and Wear
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Towns we cover in Tyne and Wear include Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, South Shields, Gateshead, Washington and Tynemouth.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about small housing developments in Tyne and Wear
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
How much does a small housing development cost in Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, a small housing development typically costs £1,600–£2,450 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 £640,000–£980,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a small development take?
Typically 12 to 24 months on site, depending on size and phasing.
Who approves a small housing development in Tyne and Wear?
Planning matters in Tyne and Wear go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.