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 Nottinghamshire?
In Nottinghamshire, 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. Prices across the East Midlands are typically 5% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Nottinghamshire. 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:
- Cladding and finishes
- Access for materials
- Size and layout
- Drainage connection distance
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 Nottinghamshire?
Before anything is built in Nottinghamshire, we confirm which approvals apply 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
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Glazed doors and windows
- Insulated walls and roof
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
- Foundations and drainage connections
- 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 Nottinghamshire
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Towns we cover in Nottinghamshire include Nottingham, Mansfield, Worksop, Newark on Trent, Arnold and West Bridgford.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Nottinghamshire
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 Nottinghamshire?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Nottinghamshire, including postcodes DN10, DN11, DN21, DN22 and LE12. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 Nottinghamshire?
In Nottinghamshire, 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.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
