What is a garage conversion?

A garage conversion turns an integral or attached garage into habitable space, such as a study, playroom, bedroom or utility. The garage door is replaced with a wall and window, the floor is raised and insulated, and the walls and roof are brought up to building regulations.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Brixton?
In Brixton, a garage conversion typically costs £23,500–£39,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Brixton are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £23,500–£39,000 |
| Higher specification | £39,000–£49,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Integral, attached or detached
- Single or double garage
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Brixton?
Approvals for a garage conversion in Brixton follow the rules for England. In England converting an integral or attached garage usually does not need planning permission, unless a condition on the house removed permitted development rights (common on estates built in recent decades) or the house is listed. Building regulations approval is always needed.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a garage conversion:
- Drawings and building control application
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Brixton
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
From SW2 outwards, we take on projects throughout Brixton and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Brixton
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Brixton?
In Brixton, a garage conversion typically costs £23,500–£39,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a garage conversion in Brixton?
Planning matters in Brixton go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Converting a garage to a habitable room needs building control approval for insulation, ventilation, fire safety and the new wall.
