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 Arbroath?
In Arbroath, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £61,000–£94,500. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Arbroath reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £42,000–£65,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £61,000–£94,500 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £86,000–£132,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,700 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Size and layout
- Heating type
- Cladding and finishes
- Access for materials
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 garden annexe in Arbroath?
Here is how the rules work for a garden annexe in Scotland. In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Foundations and drainage connections
- External cladding or brickwork
- Building control sign-off
- Glazed doors and windows
- Planning drawings and application
- Insulated walls and roof
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Arbroath
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
If your home is in Arbroath or close by in Montrose, Forfar and Dundee, a free home visit is the first step.
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
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 Arbroath
Do you build garden annexes in Arbroath?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Arbroath, including postcodes DD11. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe in Arbroath?
In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
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 Arbroath?
In Arbroath, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £61,000–£94,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.