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 Lowestoft?
In Lowestoft, a garden annexe typically costs £1,900–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £66,500–£103,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East of England, where labour and materials are typically about 6% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £45,500–£71,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £66,500–£103,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £93,000–£144,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,950 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Access for materials
- Heating type
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Lowestoft?
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Building control sign-off
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Glazed doors and windows
- Insulated walls and roof
- Electrics and heating
- External cladding or brickwork
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Lowestoft
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Our Lowestoft coverage includes postcode districts NR32, and we also work in nearby places such as Great Yarmouth, Norwich and Bowthorpe.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Lowestoft
How much does a garden annexe cost in Lowestoft?
In Lowestoft, a garden annexe typically costs £1,900–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £66,500–£103,000. 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 you build garden annexes in Lowestoft?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Lowestoft, including postcodes NR32. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.