How much does it cost to build a house in the UK?

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How much does it cost to build a house in 2023?
Cost to build a house per square metre
Other costs to consider
Cost of building a house FAQs
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How much does it cost to build a house in the UK?

Building a house from scratch can be an overwhelming thought, especially with no previous experience. From the amount of money involved, navigating all the building regulations, and finally deciding where to purchase land. Wondering where to start? In this guide, we'll provide an overview of the costs associated with building a house in the UK, and we'll point out some of the common pitfalls to avoid.

How much does it cost to build a house in 2023?

Building a house in the UK is no small feat. The cost of doing so can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as the size and type of the house, the location and the materials used for construction. One of the biggest factors in cost is the size of your new property. On average, the cost of building a house in the UK is around £150,000-£200,000 for a 3-4 bedroom property.

Cost to build a house per square metre

The cost to build a house per square metre in the UK can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as location, the type of materials used, the complexity of the design and the level of finishes and fixtures.

As a general rule of thumb, the cost to build a basic, standard-quality house in the UK can range from £1,200 to £1,500 per square meter. This would include the cost of construction materials, labour, utilities and basic finishes such as flooring and walls. However, if you’re looking to build a more high-end, custom-designed house with higher-quality finishes and fixtures, the cost per square meter can range from £1,500 to £2,500 or more.

It's always recommended to consult with an experienced builder or contractor who can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements and design. These estimates don’t include the cost of land, planning permission, and other associated expenses such as legal fees, surveys, and taxes. Therefore, the overall cost of building a house can be considerably higher than the average construction cost.

Other costs to consider

Aside from the material costs, there are other considerations to take into account. Planning permission, building regulations, and legal costs can all add to the overall cost. It's also important to factor in additional costs such as clearance of the site, asbestos removal, and site preparation. Here are some of the main costs you will need to think about when it comes to the big build:

Land

The cost of purchasing land is likely to be one of the biggest expenses involved in building a house. The price of land can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and condition of the plot. Interested in finding out more about land sizes and new homes? Whether you’re a small to medium developer or a much larger developer with your own sales infrastructure, you can find out what’s suitable for you on our land and new homes page.

Design and planning

You'll need to pay for architectural and design services to create a plan for your house. You'll also need to pay for planning permission and any other necessary permits.

Construction

The cost of building materials and labour will be a significant part of your budget. You'll need to consider the cost of excavation, foundation work, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing. When it comes to construction costs, you shouldn't skimp on quality. Always look for experienced professionals and quality materials to make sure the project is completed safely and to a high standard.

Utilities

You'll need to pay to connect your house to utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage.

Insurance

You'll need to have insurance to protect your property during the construction process and once the house is complete.

Taxes

You may be subject to various taxes, including stamp duty land tax, which is payable when you purchase land or property in the UK.

Financing

If you're borrowing money to finance your project, you'll need to pay interest on your loan.

Miscellaneous expenses

You should also budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process, such as changes to the design or unforeseen problems with the land.

If you're new to building your first property, it's important to work with an experienced builder or contractor and to have a detailed budget and timeline in place before you begin the project to make sure that you're prepared for all of the costs involved.

Cost of building a house FAQS

Does the cost of building a house in the UK vary by region?

Yes, the cost of building a house in the UK can vary by region due to varying costs of building materials and labour.

Are there any grants available to help cover the cost of building a house in the UK?

Yes, there are grants available from the government and other organisations that can help cover the cost of building a house in the UK.

Is it cheaper to buy or build a new home?

Whether it's cheaper to buy or build a new home can depend on various factors. Some of the things you'll need to consider are the property size, location, materials, your timeframe, budget, and existing home prices. It's important to do your research and compare the costs of both options to determine which is more affordable for your specific situation.

What's the best time of year to build a house?

The best time of year to build a house in the UK is during the summer months, typically between June and September. This is because the weather is generally warmer and drier during these months, which can make it easier and more efficient to complete construction work. Additionally, longer daylight hours during the summer can provide more opportunities for work to be done, which can help speed up the building process.

However, it's worth noting that building a house in the UK can take several months, if not longer, and construction work may need to take place during other seasons as well.

Can you get a mortgage for a self-build home?

Yes, it’s possible to obtain a mortgage for a self-build home in the UK. However, the process may be slightly different from getting a traditional mortgage for an already-built property. It's worth noting that self-build mortgages can be more complex than traditional mortgages, and interest rates may be higher. You may also need to provide more documentation to support your application. Speak to an expert who specialises in self-build mortgages to get more information about the best options available to you.

How long does it take to build a house?

The time it takes to build a house can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the construction materials used, the location, and the weather conditions. On average, a typical single-family home with a basic design and standard materials can take anywhere from four to twelve months to build. However, more complex or custom-designed homes can take longer, sometimes up to 18 months or more.

Want help selling your new property?

Purplebricks are the UK’s leading estate agent. Our local experts know their patch inside out and are on hand round the clock, seven days a week.

Our experienced team of local experts are here to help every step of the way - from your valuation to sale negotiation. Plus, we’ll market your property on Zoopla, Rightmove and many more. Book a free valuation or instruct Purplebricks to sell your home.