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 Bradford?
In Bradford, a garden annexe typically costs £1,650–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £58,000–£91,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Yorkshire and the Humber, where labour and materials are typically about 7% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £39,500–£62,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £58,000–£91,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £81,000–£127,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,600 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Drainage connection distance
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Heating type
- Cladding and finishes
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 Bradford?
Before anything is built in Bradford, we confirm which approvals apply 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
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Insulated walls and roof
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Planning drawings and application
- Glazed doors and windows
- External cladding or brickwork
- Electrics and heating
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Bradford
Yorkshire and the Humber has stone and brick terraces as well as inter-war and newer estates, so materials matching is an early design question.
We work across Bradford and neighbouring areas such as Shipley, Pudsey and Cleckheaton. Postcodes we cover in Bradford include BD1, BD2, BD3 and BD5.
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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Bradford
Who approves a garden annexe in Bradford?
Planning matters in Bradford go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
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 Bradford?
In Bradford, a garden annexe typically costs £1,650–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £58,000–£91,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
