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 Dumfries and Galloway?
In Dumfries and Galloway, 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 Dumfries and Galloway 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Access for materials
- Heating type
- Cladding and finishes
- Drainage connection distance
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 Dumfries and Galloway?
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Electrics and heating
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Building control sign-off
- External cladding or brickwork
- Glazed doors and windows
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 Dumfries and Galloway
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Towns we cover in Dumfries and Galloway include Dumfries, Stranraer and Annan.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Dumfries and Galloway
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 much does a garden annexe cost in Dumfries and Galloway?
In Dumfries and Galloway, 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.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Who approves a garden annexe in Dumfries and Galloway?
Planning matters in Dumfries and Galloway go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 Dumfries and Galloway?
In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.