Single Self-Build, Cornwall PL

180 sqm three-bed family home, Cornwall PL postcode. Mid spec. GDV £340/sqft (SW mid). Build £2,200/sqm. Owner-occupier target 15 percent profit on cost. VAT reclaim recovers material VAT post-completion.

Inputs

  • Single dwelling: 180 sqm = 1,938 sqft GIA.
  • NIA: 95 percent (1,841 sqft saleable).
  • GDV: 1,841 sqft x £340/sqft = £625,940. Round 625k.
  • Build: 180 sqm x £2,200/sqm = £396,000. Less VAT reclaim ~30,000 = 366,000 net.
Residual ledger
GDV
£625,940
Build cost (gross)
(£396,000)
Less VAT reclaim on materials (post-completion)(DIY housebuilders scheme)
£30,000
Net build cost
(£366,000)
Professional fees (8%)
(£29,280)
s106 / CIL / BNG (self-build relief, single plot)
£0
Contingency (10%)
(£39,528)
Finance interest (9.75%, 14 months, 50% avg)
(£24,733)
Subtotal costs
(£459,541)
Target profit (15% PoC)
(£68,931)
Residual before SDLT gross-up
£97,468
Plot SDLT non-residential at 5% gross-up
Max plot bid
£92,827
VerdictAPPROVED (typical plot price in rural PL postcodes 80 to 150k)

VAT mechanics

HMRC VAT431NB DIY housebuilders reclaim recovers 20 percent VAT on materials. Labour from a VAT-registered builder is zero-rated; do not reclaim. Submit via the HMRC online portal within 6 months of completion. Indicative recovery on a 180 sqm self-build at mid spec: £25,000 to £35,000.

Cornwall caveat

Cornwall's second-home council tax premium (200 percent from 1 Apr 2025) hits resale velocity in PL postcodes. Apply a 3 to 6 month sales-period extension if the build is for sale rather than owner-occupation; finance interest roll-up rises accordingly.

HMRC VAT431NB DIY housebuilders reclaim· Digital portal activeAppraisal model reviewed by Oliver Wakefield-Smith (data integrity) with chartered-surveyor (MRICS) and CTA tax review. No affiliate links.