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 Washington?
In Washington, 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. The guide for Washington reflects typical costs in the North East, roughly 10% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Number and size of homes
- Site access and phasing
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
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 Washington?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Handover packs for each home
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Utility connections
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 Washington
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
If your home is in Washington or close by in Chester-le-Street, Houghton-Le-Spring and Hebburn, a free home visit is the first step.
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
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 Washington
What about biodiversity net gain?
In England, biodiversity net gain rules apply to many developments, with exemptions for some small sites. We work with your ecologist to confirm what applies to your scheme.
How long does a small housing development take in Washington?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
How much does a small housing development cost in Washington?
In Washington, 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.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.