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UK cost guide

Cost to Build a House UK

UK new-build and self-build costs per square metre, by house size, specification and project complexity.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning cost£1,400–£3,000 per m²
Broader project range£126,000–£600,000+ by house size
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

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What affects the cost?

New-build costs are driven by floor area, construction system, design complexity, specification, location and abnormal site conditions. Land purchase and finance are separate from core build cost.

  • Internal floor area
  • Construction system
  • Specification level
  • Design complexity
  • Ground conditions and access
  • Location and professional fees

Typical cost breakdown

Structure & envelope35–45%
Mechanical & electrical15–20%
Internal finishes20–30%
External works5–15%
Professional fees & contingency10–20%

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£1,800–£3,850 / m²
Manchester£1,300–£2,800 / m²
Birmingham£1,350–£2,950 / m²
Glasgow£1,350–£2,850 / m²
Cardiff£1,250–£2,750 / m²

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Building a House: Cost Breakdown 2026

Published / checked: June 2026

Used for: New-build cost-per-m² and house-size benchmarks

View source ↗
Office for National Statistics

Construction output price indices

Published / checked: 13 August 2026

Used for: Construction price trend and update checks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost to build a house per m²?

Current UK guides place typical construction costs around £1,400 to £3,000 per m², depending on specification and complexity.

Does this include land?

No. Land, finance and some professional or abnormal site costs should be budgeted separately.

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