What is a garden annexe?

A garden annexe is a single-storey building in the garden with its own living space, bathroom and often a kitchenette, used by relatives, older children or guests. Unlike a garden room, it is built as habitable accommodation with foundations, insulation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Acton?
In Acton, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £82,000–£128,000. Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Acton. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £56,500–£87,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £82,000–£128,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £115,000–£179,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,650 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Size and layout
- Heating type
- Drainage connection distance
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Acton?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England an annexe used as living accommodation usually needs planning permission. Outbuildings built under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not a bedroom.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Planning drawings and application
- External cladding or brickwork
- Building control sign-off
- Insulated walls and roof
- Glazed doors and windows
- Foundations and drainage connections
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Acton
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Acton sits in Greater London, about 6 miles west of central London. We cover the whole of Acton, including postcodes W3.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garden annexes in Acton
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Acton?
In Acton, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £82,000–£128,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
Who approves a garden annexe in Acton?
Planning matters in Acton go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
