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 Woolwich?
In Woolwich, a small housing development typically costs £2,350–£3,500 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 £940,000–£1,400,000. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £658,000–£980,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £940,000–£1,400,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,316,000–£1,960,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Specification
- Number and size of homes
- Ground conditions
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Woolwich?
Here is how the rules work for a small housing development 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
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Handover packs for each home
- Utility connections
- Design development and discharge of conditions
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 Woolwich
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
If your home is in Woolwich or close by in Welling, Eltham and East Ham, a free home visit is the first step.
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
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 Woolwich
How much does a small housing development cost in Woolwich?
In Woolwich, a small housing development typically costs £2,350–£3,500 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 £940,000–£1,400,000. 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.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
Who approves a small housing development in Woolwich?
Planning matters in Woolwich go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
