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 Orpington?
In Orpington, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £82,000–£128,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £56,500–£87,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £82,000–£128,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £115,000–£179,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,650 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Heating type
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Size and layout
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Orpington?
Before anything is built in Orpington, 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Electrics and heating
- External cladding or brickwork
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Insulated walls and roof
- Building control sign-off
- Glazed doors and windows
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Orpington
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
We work across Orpington and neighbouring areas such as Sidcup, Swanley and Bromley. Postcodes we cover in Orpington include BR6.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Orpington
Do you build garden annexes in Orpington?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Orpington, including postcodes BR6. 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.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Orpington?
In Orpington, a garden annexe typically costs £2,350–£3,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £82,000–£128,000. 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.