New Build Costs 2025 – Simple Guide to Budgeting Your Build

Thinking about a brand‑new home in 2025? You’re probably wondering how much it will actually cost. The price tag can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into bite‑size pieces makes it manageable. Below you’ll find the main cost drivers, realistic UK figures for 2025, and practical ways to keep the budget on track – especially when it comes to garage doors, which are often overlooked.

Breakdown of 2025 New Build Expenses

In 2025 the average construction cost per square metre sits around £1,800 to £2,200 for a standard three‑bedroom house. That range covers labour, materials, and the usual approvals. Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Site preparation & foundations: 10‑15% of total cost. Expect £15,000‑£25,000 depending on soil and access.
• Shell (walls, roof, floors): 30‑35%. Brickwork, timber frames, and roofing can run £70,000‑£100,000.
• Internal finishes: 20‑25%. Plaster, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms typically cost £40,000‑£60,000.
• Services (electrical, plumbing, heating): 10‑12% – roughly £20,000‑£30,000.
• Professional fees: architects, engineers, and consultants usually add 8‑10%.

These numbers are averages; location, design complexity, and material choices shift them up or down. For a semi‑detached home in a high‑cost area like London, you might see the per‑square‑metre price creep above £2,500.

Saving Money on Garage Doors and Finishes

Garage doors are a hidden cost that can surprise first‑time builders. A basic single‑car roller door in the UK starts at around £900, while a double‑car insulated unit can be £1,500‑£2,200. Add a motorised opener (£250‑£400) and you’re looking at roughly £1,200‑£2,600 total.

Here are three ways to trim that expense without sacrificing quality:

1. Standardise the size. Custom dimensions add £200‑£400 per door. Stick to a common width (2.4 m) and height (2.1 m) to keep costs low.
2. Choose slab or roller over sectional. Rollers have fewer moving parts and cost less to install.
3. Buy in bulk. If you’re building a development, order all doors together – suppliers often give 5‑10% off.

Beyond doors, you can lower the overall budget by opting for off‑the‑shelf kitchen cabinets, using ready‑made plasterboard instead of custom plaster, and selecting durable yet affordable flooring like engineered wood instead of solid hardwood.

Another tip: schedule the build so that you’re buying materials during off‑peak months (autumn/winter). Suppliers tend to offer better rates and delivery slots are easier to secure.

Finally, keep a contingency of 5‑10% for unexpected price hikes. The construction market can be volatile, and a small buffer saves you from scrambling later.

Bottom line: 2025 new builds in the UK average between £150,000 and £250,000 for a typical three‑bedroom home. By understanding where the money goes and making smart choices – especially around garage doors – you can stay within budget and still get a home that feels premium. Ready to start planning? Grab a notebook, list your must‑haves, and use this guide as a checklist. Your future home is closer than you think.