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 Limavady?
In Limavady, a garden annexe typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £54,000–£84,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Northern Ireland, where labour and materials are typically about 14% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £37,000–£57,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £54,000–£84,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £76,000–£117,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,400 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Drainage connection distance
- Heating type
- Size and layout
- 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 Limavady?
Before anything is built in Limavady, we confirm which approvals apply in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and building control approval.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Electrics and heating
- Kitchenette and shower room
- External cladding or brickwork
- Insulated walls and roof
- Glazed doors and windows
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Limavady
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Projects in Limavady (BT49) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garden annexes in Limavady
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Limavady?
In Limavady, a garden annexe typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £54,000–£84,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 Limavady?
In Northern Ireland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and building control approval.
How long does a garden annexe take in Limavady?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
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.
