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 Nottingham?
In Nottingham, 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 Nottingham 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Cladding and finishes
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 Nottingham?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Glazed doors and windows
- Building control sign-off
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Insulated walls and roof
- Electrics and heating
- Foundations and drainage connections
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 Nottingham
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
If your home is in Nottingham or close by in West Bridgford, Arnold and Hucknall, a free home visit is the first step.
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Nottingham
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
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 long does a garden annexe take in Nottingham?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Nottingham?
In Nottingham, 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.
