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Development Professional Fees Percentage

Professional fees as a percentage of build cost typically run 10 to 15 percent. Architect 5 to 8 percent, QS 1 to 2 percent, planning consultant 0.5 to 1.5 percent, legal 0.5 to 1 percent, CDM coordinator 0.3 to 0.6 percent, warranty 1 to 1.5 percent. Complex schemes tip above 15 percent.

Typical splits

  • Architect: 5 to 8 percent of build cost.
  • Quantity surveyor: 1 to 2 percent.
  • Planning consultant: 0.5 to 1.5 percent.
  • Structural and M&E engineers: 1.5 to 3 percent combined.
  • Legal (acquisition + plot sales): 0.5 to 1 percent.
  • CDM principal designer: 0.3 to 0.6 percent.
  • Warranty (LABC / Premier / NHBC): 1 to 1.5 percent.

When fees move above 15 percent

  • Conservation area or listed-building work: heritage consultant adds 1 to 2 percent.
  • Contaminated land: environmental specialist adds 0.5 to 1 percent.
  • Public realm scheme: landscape architect adds 1 to 2 percent.
  • Daylight or BRE 209 challenge: specialist study £10,000 to £30,000 fixed-fee.
RICS Valuation Global Standards (Red Book)· Effective 31 Jan 2025Appraisal model reviewed by Oliver Wakefield-Smith (data integrity) with chartered-surveyor (MRICS) and CTA tax review. No affiliate links.