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 Horsforth?
In Horsforth, 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. Building costs in Yorkshire and the Humber run about 7% below the UK average, and the figures for Horsforth are adjusted to reflect that. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Heating type
- Cladding and finishes
- 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 Horsforth?
Here is how the rules work for a garden annexe 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Glazed doors and windows
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
- Insulated walls and roof
- External cladding or brickwork
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Horsforth
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.
Horsforth sits in West Yorkshire, about 5 miles north-west of Leeds. We cover the whole of Horsforth, including postcodes LS18.
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 Horsforth
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
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 Horsforth?
In Horsforth, 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.
Who approves a garden annexe in Horsforth?
Planning matters in Horsforth go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
