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 Chichester?
In Chichester, a garden annexe typically costs £2,000–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £70,000–£110,000. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £48,000–£75,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £70,000–£110,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £98,000–£154,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,150 |
What moves the price most:
- Cladding and finishes
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Size and layout
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Chichester?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Chichester follow the rules for 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Building control sign-off
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Electrics and heating
- External cladding or brickwork
- Planning drawings and application
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Chichester
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
If your home is in Chichester or close by in Bognor Regis, Emsworth and Havant, 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
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Chichester
Do you build garden annexes in Chichester?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Chichester, including postcodes PO19. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
Does a garden annexe need planning permission?
Usually yes if it is used as living accommodation. Outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not bedrooms.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Chichester?
In Chichester, a garden annexe typically costs £2,000–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £70,000–£110,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
