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How much does it cost to build a house

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House In the UK?

Doesn’t it feel overwhelming to build your own house without experience? Building a home in a big city like the UK, where high property prices might cost a fortune. On top of everything, you will have to bear additional costs without proper planning and professional guidance, which is extremely bad. There are many complications you might go through during this journey. To start from scratch, you might be full of questions like from where and how should I begin? And how much does it cost to build a house? In this blog post, you will learn about the detailed breakdown of the average cost and some tips and tricks to avoid extra fees.

Average cost of building a house in the UK

Building a house from scratch costs a lot, depending on the location, property size, type of build, material selection, and many other factors. On average, building a house might cost between £1,800 and £3,000 per sqm. The size of your project can change the prices significantly. So, the estimated build cost of a 3-4 bedroom house will be between £150,000-£500,000. It’s important to note that property and building prices are higher in London and the South East than in rural areas.

Types of houses and their impacts on Cost

The area of your property and the size of your project significantly impact the overall building cost. Houses with larger facades and terraced structures cost much more than simple ones. A bungalow might cost much more than a house due to its huge area coverage, but it is convenient because it is a single-floor property.

Here’s a cost breakdown according to different sizes of home:

Size of houseArea (per m²)Average cost (excluding VAT)
Two Bedroom Bungalow90£162,000 – £225,000
Three Bedroom Dormer100£180,000 – £260,000
Three Bedroom House160£288,000 – £432,000
Four Bedroom House200£380,000 – £560,000
Five Bedroom House280£560,000 – £840,000

Factors that affect overall building cost

Many factors can play an important part in decreasing and increasing total costs. Here, we will discuss some basic and important ones to help you understand.

1. Location

How much will it cost? This question has no specific answer for many reasons. One of these reasons is the location or region where you are considering to execute your project. It is always better to get a quote from nearby contractors, or for easier access, you can contact Design & Build through their website and get a free quote for your project. For your understanding, here’s a rough estimate of the cost variation per region:

  • South West:  In this region, the building cost will be 2% more than the national average.
  • Scotland: Here, the cost of building a house is 5% higher than the national estimate.
  • South East: The home building in this region costs 4% more than the average estimate for the UK.
  • Rest of UK: In all other areas of the UK, the building cost aligns with the national average.

2. Size & Style

The size and style of your home project are the core of the total cost. The average sqm cost is between £1,800 and 3,000; the larger the area, the higher the price. Also, houses with larger upfront and terraced roofs will cause a major rise in cost, while building a bungalow is more expensive due to the larger property area. Choose the right style according to your legal permissions and budget.

3. Material Selection

After estimating the role of region, area, and style of your home, don’t forget to consider the cost of the materials. High-quality materials like granite, glazing, quality timber, or other modern materials might significantly impact costs. Ensure professional involvement while choosing your dream house’s materials to prevent additional costs or overspending.

Estimating the cost of building a house: A Cost breakdown

To start your home-building project, you need a proper guide about the breakdown of total costs so you can spend wisely and save as much money as possible. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the expenses for your beginning from the start, but if you are looking for an easy approach, you can contact Design & Build using the information provided. Their professional team will quote you about every detail.

1. Land Possession

Purchasing land is likely among the most costly aspects of building a home. The plot’s size, location, and overall condition determine the land cost. The planned construction site has a major effect on land costs. In more desirable areas, including those close to London or the South East, you must estimate at least £200,000 for land buying. You can purchase land for as little as £50,000 in rural areas. In this case, location is crucial, and the more popular the area, the more expensive it is.

2. Planning & Architectural Cost

Next, architectural and design services will cost money to help you bring your idea to life. An architect typically charges between 5% and 15% of the project’s total cost. Consider simple styles rather than customised blueprints to save some cost. You can get free quotes from nearby contractors and online platforms for more understanding, as professional advice makes a huge difference.

3. Construction Cost

Building materials and labour will take up a significant amount of your budget. A builder’s hourly cost in the UK typically ranges from £30 to £50, depending on the area and level of experience. You must also consider excavation costs, foundation work, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing. Always seek out qualified labourers and exceptional supplies to ensure the job is completed safely and to a high standard.

4. Influence of Material on Cost

Material selection is an important step in managing your budget, as making the wrong choice can cost you a fortune. Natural stone and traditional brick cost more than timber but offer longevity and energy efficiency. For a more modern and eco-friendly approach, you can choose recycled metal or sustainable wood, which stays intact for a long time but requires a huge initial cost. One effective way to reduce the cost is to choose locally sourced material, which will save transport expenses compared to imported material, which is more expensive.

5. Utilities & infrastructure

Connecting your house to basic and essential services is vital to making it liveable. Services like electricity, plumbing, sewerage, and telephone are no joke; they can add thousands to your budget. If you manage your project by yourself, you can keep the prices in check without compromising on the quality of your work. The infrastructure cost might be higher in rural areas because sometimes you need to make it from the beginning.

6. Cost of additional services

Once the basic structure is done, interior, landscaping and other services will follow. These services might sound additional, but these are the important steps to make your living convenient and easy. For example, a high-end kitchen costs around £10,000, and a more budget-friendly option costs around £5,000. Similarly, the landscaping cost depends upon the area and complexity of the project, which is expected to be between a few thousand to £20,000.

7. Legal Fees & Planning Permission

Last but not least, obtaining permission is the most important step toward a beautiful, peaceful, durable house. In the UK, you might need approval for several things, such as planning permission, building regulations, party wall agreements, and others, depending upon the scope of your project. The legal cost of building a house in the UK ranges from £500 to £1,000 with the additional inspection fee and abidance with building regulations.

Hidden costs in home building

It makes sense to be prepared for any circumstance. Unexpected costs are almost a given, from poor soil, requiring more foundation work, delayed material deliveries, or severe weather that delays projects. Experts say 10 to 15 % of your budget should be set aside for unforeseen costs. This strategy will save you from sudden tension and stress about financing. 

Five ways to budget for your project

Creating a budget plan is important to avoid making your dream house project a nightmare. Here are a few important points to consider while budgeting for your project:

  1. Try to work the cost of land and contractor fees. 
  2. Don’t forget to add 10%-15% for unexpected expenses.
  3. Consider self-build mortgages or government schemes for some funds. 
  4. Try negotiating with contractors, material suppliers, and other possible options. 
  5. Make sure to stick to your financial plan and not get involved in stress afterwards.

Tips for reducing the cost of building a house

Here are some strategies for cost-cutting:

  1. Instead of using customised blueprints, go with simple styles.
  2. Use low-cost, high-quality substitutes like recycled brick or engineered wood.
  3. Install solar panels or other energy-efficient fixtures to lower your long-term electricity expenses.
  4. For Land possession, choose the area where you don’t need to install a new infrastructure.
  5. Try negotiating with the contractor and consider financing options to reduce the financial stress.

Conclusion

Building a house is a fun process in the UK but requires careful planning and financial preparation. You might wonder how much does it cost to build a house. By accounting for location, house type, supplies, and labour, you may estimate the cost more precisely and avoid unpleasant financial surprises. The most crucial thing is to be knowledgeable, flexible, and prepared for anything unforeseen, regardless of whether you decide to self-build or select a readymade solution.

FAQs

How long will it take to build a house in the UK?

The estimated timeline for the house build is 6-12 months, but this can change depending on the design’s complexity and the project’s area.

Is building a house cheaper than a prebuilt house?

Depending on the location and design of the home, building can be less expensive, but only if you have the time and resources to manage the project.

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

The overall building cost in the UK is between £1,800 and £3,000 per sqm but can differ with the region, services, material, contractor, etc.

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