Self-build, single dwelling

Single dwelling self-build with HMRC VAT reclaim on materials. Target return lower than commercial development.

Preset defaults

  • Units: 1
  • GIA per unit: 2,000 sqft
  • NIA ratio: 95%
  • Build cost: 2,200 £/sqm
  • Professional fees: 8%
  • Contingency: 10%
  • s106 / CIL / BNG per unit: £0
  • Finance rate: 9.75%
  • Duration: 14 months
  • Target PoC: 15%

What this preset is for

Single dwelling self-build with HMRC VAT reclaim on materials. Target return lower than commercial development.

Build cost by spec

  • Basic: £1,800 to £2,000/sqm.
  • Mid: £2,100 to £2,400/sqm.
  • High: 2,500 to 3,500+ £/sqm (passivhaus, prime finishes).

VAT reclaim

  • HMRC VAT431NB DIY housebuilders reclaim recovers 20 percent VAT on materials.
  • Labour from a VAT-registered builder is zero-rated; do not reclaim.
  • Digital portal active; claim within 6 months of completion.

Open in workbench

Inputs
MAX LAND BID£206,925At 15% profit on cost, 1 units, 2000 sqft GIA each.
MARGINAL
GDV£807,500
Build cost£408,773
Prof fees£32,702
s106/CIL/BNG£0
Contingency£44,148
Finance interest£27,620
Target profit£76,986
Total costs (excl land)£513,242
Senior debt @ LTGDV£524,875
PoC12.1%
PoGDV10.8%
LTC72.9%
Sensitivity (PoC %)
Build -5%Build +5%Build +10%Build +15%Build +20%
GDV -15%13%14%14%15%11%
GDV -10%13%13%14%14%15%
GDV -5%12%13%13%14%14%
GDV 0%12%13%13%13%14%
GDV +5%11%12%12%13%13%

Cells show profit-on-cost percentage at each GDV stress / build-cost shock pair. Cells below your target PoC turn amber-warm; cells below 10 percent abort.

BCIS General Building Cost Index Q2 2026· Q2 2026Appraisal model reviewed by Oliver Wakefield-Smith (data integrity) with chartered-surveyor (MRICS) and CTA tax review. No affiliate links.