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 Portishead?
In Portishead, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £65,000–£100,000. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Portishead are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £44,500–£68,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £65,000–£100,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £90,500–£139,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,850 |
What moves the price most:
- Cladding and finishes
- Size and layout
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
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 Portishead?
Before anything is built in Portishead, 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
What we take care of:
- Insulated walls and roof
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Building control sign-off
- External cladding or brickwork
- Electrics and heating
- Kitchenette and shower room
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Portishead
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
If your home is in Portishead or close by in Nailsea, Clevedon and Kingswood, a free home visit is the first step.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Portishead
How much does a garden annexe cost in Portishead?
In Portishead, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £65,000–£100,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
Who approves a garden annexe in Portishead?
Planning matters in Portishead go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
