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 Seaford?
In Seaford, a garden annexe typically costs £2,000–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £70,000–£110,000. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £48,000–£75,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £70,000–£110,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £98,000–£154,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,150 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Size and layout
- Drainage connection distance
- Cladding and finishes
- 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 Seaford?
Before anything is built in Seaford, 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- External cladding or brickwork
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Glazed doors and windows
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
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 Seaford
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Projects in Seaford (BN25) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
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 Seaford
Do you build garden annexes in Seaford?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Seaford, including postcodes BN25. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Does a garden annexe need planning permission?
Usually yes if it is used as living accommodation. Outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not bedrooms.
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 much does a garden annexe cost in Seaford?
In Seaford, a garden annexe typically costs £2,000–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £70,000–£110,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
