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 Antrim?
In Antrim, a garden annexe typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £54,000–£84,000. Prices across Northern Ireland are typically 14% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Antrim. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £37,000–£57,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £54,000–£84,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £76,000–£117,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,400 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Heating type
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Access for materials
- Drainage connection distance
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Antrim?
Here is how the rules work for a garden annexe in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and building control approval.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garden annexes:
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Building control sign-off
- Insulated walls and roof
- External cladding or brickwork
- Glazed doors and windows
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Projects in Antrim (BT41) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Antrim
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe in Antrim?
In Northern Ireland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and building control approval.
Will council tax apply?
Annexes can be banded separately, though discounts or exemptions apply in some cases when occupied by family. Check with your council.
How long does a garden annexe take in Antrim?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, a garden annexe typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £54,000–£84,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.