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 Market Harborough?
In Market Harborough, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £59,500–£93,000. The guide for Market Harborough reflects typical costs in the East Midlands, roughly 5% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £41,000–£63,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £59,500–£93,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £83,500–£130,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,650 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
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 Market Harborough?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Market Harborough follow the rules for 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Insulated walls and roof
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Glazed doors and windows
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
- External cladding or brickwork
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 Market Harborough
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
We work across Market Harborough and neighbouring areas such as Corby, Kettering and Wigston Magna. Postcodes we cover in Market Harborough include LE16.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Market Harborough
How much does a garden annexe cost in Market Harborough?
In Market Harborough, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £59,500–£93,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
Who approves a garden annexe in Market Harborough?
Planning matters in Market Harborough go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. 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.
