Independent reference. UK figures verified 21 June 2026. No vendor affiliation.
Tier

Developer-spec new build cost

Developer-spec is the volume-housebuilder finish: builders-merchant fixtures, vinyl or laminate floors, basic glazing, generic kitchen. Headline rate £1,650 to £2,000/sqm in 2026 (BCIS Q2). Acceptable for buy-to-let, downsizer, or modest-resale projects; not for owner-occupier long-stay.

Oliver Wakefield-Smith · Updated 21 June 2026 · Reviewed against BCIS Q2 2026, HBF, FMB House Builders Cost Guide

What is included

Travis Perkins or Howdens trade-account kitchen at the entry-level range, basic B&Q or Wickes sanitaryware, vinyl or budget laminate floors throughout, double-glazed UPVc windows from a volume supplier, basic gas-boiler heating (still permitted until FHS transition), Magnet-equivalent internal doors, basic Dulux trade emulsion paint.

Current £/sqm range

BCIS Q2 2026 small-residential developer-tier rates £1,650-£2,000/sqm UK average[BCIS Q2 2026]. Apply regional multiplier from the calculator (1.45x London, 1.20x South East, etc.).

Typical buyer profile

Buy-to-let landlord rebuilding a tired rental; downsizer trading down to a smaller new property; investor flipping for resale at the modest end of the local market. Not appropriate for owner-occupier intending to live in the house long-term; the corner-cuts show within 3-5 years.

Common corner-cuts and upgrade cost later

Vinyl floors (replace with engineered oak £45-£90/sqm fitted). UPVc windows in conservation areas (upgrade to aluminium or hardwood £25k-£60k). Basic kitchen (Howdens-equivalent upgrade £8k-£15k). MVHR omitted (retrofit £6k-£12k). Total mid-life upgrade £40k-£100k; cheaper to spec at build.

Primary sources

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