Development

Professional Fees

Estimate the design team and consultant fee budget for a development scheme.

Beginner

Introduction

Who this is for: Developers budgeting the consultant team on a scheme.

Why it matters: Professional fees typically run 10-14% of build cost and are routinely underestimated. On a £3m build that is a £300,000-£420,000 line — big enough to move viability on its own.

Typical scenario: A developer sizing the consultant budget on a £3m residential build.

Common mistakes:
  • Budgeting architect fees only and forgetting engineers, QS and specialists.
  • Omitting Building Safety Act roles now required on higher-risk buildings.
  • Forgetting planning application and Building Regulations fees.

Inputs

Scheme

£

Fee Rates

%
%
%
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%

Fixed Fees

£
£
£

Analysis

On a £3,000,000 build classed as "standard" (a 10% uplift on base rates), professional fees total £434,750 — 14.5% of build cost.

This analysis provides context, not financial advice. Consult a qualified adviser before making investment decisions.

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Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity

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£3,000,000
£0£6,000,000

Export

Live Results

Total Professional Fees

£434,750

Fees as % of Build

14.49%

Design Team Fees

£354,750

Fixed Fees

£80,000

Complexity Uplift Applied10.00%
Architect£165,000
Engineering (Structural + M&E)£99,000