How Much Do Package Homes Cost? Real-Life Projects & Advice

Package homes can range from high-spec, big budget projects to those at the more affordable end of the spectrum. We take a look at how much a package home will cost so you can budget effectively
Articles by Build It magazine
by Build It magazine
21st December 2023

Opting for the package home route to a self build means partnering with a company who will help you realise your design goals in a high-quality scheme, on time and on budget. You can choose from a sliding scale of services, from basic structural kits that you can put together yourself all the way to full turnkey services which include project management and interior fittings.

Engaging a package home supplier can be particularly advantageous if you’re a first-timer and need guidance throughout the process – from concept to completion. Finding the right company to work with is key, so speaking to suppliers at self build shows like Build It Live is a great way to get a feel for both their personality and products.

Companies including Potton, Scandia-Hus, and Oakwrights have show homes you can visit – and even stay overnight in – so you can really try before you buy.

So, how much does a package home cost? Here we’re taking a look at a collection of amazing self builds and identifying their construction costs to show you what you can really get for your budget.

Oak Frame Cottage for £290,000

The owners of this four-bed house in Ormskirk decided to take a hands-on approach to their self build, which was completed for £290,000 over the course of 18 months. The house was inspired by a scheme within Welsh Oak Frame’s portfolio of pre-existing plans, which was tweaked until it satisfied all the owners’ requirements.

The homeowners project managed the build, which helped to keep costs down. In this role they took charge of hiring local trades to complete the interior and exterior of the property.

They even got involved on site, working alongside a local joiner and SIPs (structural insulated panels) erector to assemble the thermal envelope that wraps around the oak frame skeleton.

Read More: Building an Oak Frame Home: a Self Builder’s Complete Guide

Retirement Home for £120,000

Fleming Homes provided a supply-and-erect package for this house in Selkirk, taking the project through to wind and watertight stage. The package itself cost £45,900 out of a total construction cost of £120,000.

The compact town-centre house delivers a total floor area of 77m², and has been completed to a high specification. The owners maximised their budget by prioritising excellent thermal performance, paving the way for low energy bills in the future. The property is heated via infrared panels, which have been positioned high up to help save space at floor level.

High-Spec Farmhouse for £1,200,000

The total construction cost for this stunning home in Lancashire was £1,200,000. Oakwrights provided the architectural design, oak frame, encapsulation system and face glazing for the house.

Photo: Mark Watts

Keen to make the most of the gorgeous rural views from their plot, the owners knew a bespoke design was the only way to go. After several false starts with independent architectural practices, the owners were highly impressed with Oakwrights’ in-house design team and decided to proceed in working with the oak framer.

Photo: Mark Watts

From the exquisitely-crafted feel of the oak skeleton,to the authentic honey-coloured stone exterior that harmonises with the local vernacular, this house is brimming with wow-factor features. Lots of glass floods the interiors with natural light, while a modern steel and oak staircase with a glass balustrade adds to the contemporary feel.

Stress-Free Self Build for £1,300,000

This sleek, modern abode is the result of a demolish and rebuild scheme. The owners weren’t living locally at the time of the construction, so they decided to hand the reins over to Facit Homes, opting for the company’s full turnkey package.

The fixed contract cost was another advantage to going down the turnkey route – the total sum of the package was £1,300,000.

Facit Homes crafted a design that responds sensitively to the location, within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Western Red cedar timber cladding helps the property blend into its surroundings and broad spans of glazing maximise views while breaking up the large elevation (the new house is twice the size of the previous cottage).

Learn More: Designing & Building a Package Home: Everything You Need to Know

EXPERT VIEW Will package home costs increase in the future?

We spoke to the experts to find out how inflationary pressures are impacting on building costs, and why the package home route can provide more certainty:

  • “The cost of building materials and labour is going up with inflation, like everything else. However, the advantage of a package home is most costs should be fixed when the contract is signed, meaning the risk of increasing prices lies with the company not the customer.’’ Rhys Denbigh, Facit Homes
  • “It’s impossible to predict price trends in the future because costs always fluctuate and are dependent on so many factors. Working closely with your timber frame supplier and engaging them early is key to keeping costs low. Taking your questions to the specialist from the outset could prove to be more cost effective and result in savings down the line.’’ Simon Orrells, Frame Technologies
  • “In the long term, while it’ll cost more to build now – no matter what system you choose – if you opt for a panelised, system-built home that’s been constructed to the highest quality possible, your long-term expenditure will be lower than if you choose a less efficient system to build with now. So, the actual running costs of your home will be reduced.’’ Tim Crump, Oakwrights
  • “Package home building costs have unfortunately risen over the last 18-24 months and are predicted to continue to do so. However, the price increases do appear to be slowing down and levelling out. The recent fuel crisis and freight costs have stabilised, making it easier to fix some material prices.’’ Cameron McMillan, Scandia-Hus
  • “We usually recommend budgeting between £2,000 and £2,500 per m2 for an average three-bedroom home of around 175-200m2. However, this is dependant on a lot of aspects like location, access, the size of the house you want to build, current construction costs etc. A lot can impact on the overall price of a build, so it’s always best to try and work in a contingency should costs change.’’ Gareth Edmunds, Welsh Oak Frame

Affordable New Home for Under £200,000

The TechVantage E system from Frame Technologies was selected as the construction method for this highly efficient build in Hereford, as one of the main project goals was to futureproof by paving the way for low energy bills.

The owner chose Frame Technologies’ design and build package, engaging with the team early in the process to keep costs to a minimum. The firm also assisted with Building Regulations and the initial design, helping the owner overcome several planning challenges.

Spread across an area of 96m2 – 150m2 including the garage – the house features a spacious, open-plan layout ideal for modern family life. The downstairs is flooded with sunshine thanks to the broad span of glass bifold doors. The upper level accommodates three bedrooms. The project was completed for less than £200,000.

Contemporary Bungalow for £455,617

After considering brick and block, steel frame and structural insulated panels, the owners of this contemporary bungalow in Kent decided on Scandia-Hus’s efficient timber frame system.

As well as offering excellent levels of insulation for a reasonable price, the couple knew that this construction method would give them the design flexibility they craved, too.

Scandia-Hus was appointed to provide a design and build package for the scheme – the total construction cost came to £455,617.

More Advice: Timber Frame: Pros & Cons of Building a House with Timber Systems

Timber Frame Family Home for £517,920

Set just 100 metres away from their previous home and located on a Bedfordshire village boundary, Alan and Nicola Burton self built a brand new three-storey timber frame dwelling with the help of a Potton pre-insulated structure. The project in total cost the family £517,920, with the timber frame costing £77,500.

The couple visited Potton’s show village and were impressed with the variety of house designs, the quality of the building systems and the customer service they received.

Clad in Ivanhoe Westminster multicoloured heritage brick from Hanson and silicone render, the three-storey home is enhanced with intersecting gables and a small single-storey volume to the rear.

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