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 Erith?
In Erith, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £82,000–£128,000. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Erith are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £56,500–£87,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £82,000–£128,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £115,000–£179,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,650 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
- Drainage connection distance
- Heating type
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 Erith?
Before anything is built in Erith, 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
What we take care of:
- External cladding or brickwork
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Electrics and heating
- Glazed doors and windows
- Insulated walls and roof
- Planning drawings and application
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Erith
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Erith sits in Greater London, about 13 miles east of central London. We cover the whole of Erith, including postcodes DA8 and DA18.
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 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 Erith
Who approves a garden annexe in Erith?
Planning matters in Erith go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Erith?
In Erith, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £82,000–£128,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
