Open dataset · Free to reuse with attribution (CC BY 4.0)

Building Control fees across all 11 Northern Ireland councils, 2026

Compiled by the NI Trades research team · Last reviewed 4 July 2026

What each of the 11 Northern Ireland councils charges for Building Regulations approval on a typical domestic extension (up to 60 sqm) in 2026, comparing the Full Plans and Building Notice routes.

Download CSVFull Cost Index
CouncilFull Plans feeBuilding Notice fee
Antrim and Newtownabbey£385£560
Ards and North Down£365£530
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon£395£575
Belfast City£420£610
Causeway Coast and Glens£375£545
Derry City and Strabane£385£560
Fermanagh and Omagh£365£530
Lisburn and Castlereagh£405£590
Mid and East Antrim£385£560
Mid Ulster£375£545
Newry, Mourne and Down£395£575

Confirm the live fee with the relevant council Building Control office before applying; councils revise fees each April.

Methodology

Fees are the typical published domestic-extension fees (extension up to 60 sqm) for each council, compiled from the 11 NI council Building Control fee schedules in 2026. Fees are set by each council individually and normally change with the council year (April). The Building Notice route consistently costs around 45 per cent more than Full Plans. Figures were compiled for the NI Trades extension cost guide, re-verified for the NI Home Improvement Cost Index 2026, and are reviewed on the date shown.

The full citation trail, context and related benchmarks are on the researched guide this dataset is drawn from: Building Regulations in Northern Ireland: the homeowner overview.

Sources

Reuse and attribution

This dataset is free to reuse, quote and republish under CC BY 4.0. Attribute as “NI Trades, NI Building Control fees 2026” with a link to this page. Spotted an error or have better data? Email hello@nitrades.co.uk and we correct fast, with credit.

About this dataset. NI Trades is a tradesperson directory, not a government body or an advice service, and nothing on this page is financial, legal or benefits advice. Figures reflect our team’s reading of the cited sources at the review date shown; fees, rates and scheme statuses change, sometimes at short notice. Do your own research and confirm the current position with the official sources above before relying on any figure.