Cost Calculator
Build cost per square metre calculator
See the typical build cost per square metre for your project type and quality, and an indicative total if you know your area. A ballpark, not a quote.
In short
Build cost per square metre in the UK ranges from roughly £1,250 to £4,000, ex VAT, depending on the project type and specification.
New build housing, single and double storey extensions and loft conversions each sit in different bands. Pick a type and quality to see the rate.
Enter your floor area for an indicative total. For a number you can rely on, send us your drawings.
Your details
Leave blank to see the per square metre band only.
Indicative cost
£2,200 to £2,800
Ballpark range, ex VAT
Build cost per square metre
£2,200 to £2,800 per m squared, ex VAT
- Enter a floor area to see an indicative total.
This is a rough guide. For a proper, measured estimate you can quote from or build against, send us your drawings.
Get a measured estimateHow this estimate is worked out
Each project type carries its own cost per square metre band, because the work involved differs. A double storey extension is cheaper per square metre than a single storey one, since the roof and foundations are shared, and a loft conversion is measured on the new floor area it creates.
Pick a quality level to move within the band. If you enter a floor area, the calculator multiplies it by the band to give an indicative total. Leave it blank and you just see the rate.
All bands are ex VAT and cover construction only. They exclude fees, the plot or existing structure, and any abnormal groundworks.
What drives the cost
Project type
New builds, extensions and loft conversions each have their own typical rate. Comparing across types only works once you know which band you are in.
Specification
The single biggest reason two projects of the same size cost differently is the level of finish, glazing and fit out.
Shape and access
Simple shapes and easy access drive the rate down, while complex plans, tight sites and difficult logistics drive it up.
Region
Labour and material rates vary across the UK, with London and the South East typically at the top of each band.
An indicative ballpark only
These figures are a rough guide based on typical UK rates and are shown ex VAT. They are not a quote and should not be used to price or build a real job. Every project differs on specification, site conditions, access and local rates. For a figure you can actually quote from or build against, send us your drawings and we'll prepare a proper, measured estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for a real number you can quote from?
A calculator gives you a ballpark. Send us your drawings and we'll come back with a professional, measured estimate, a fixed fee and a turnaround time.
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