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 Seaham?
In Seaham, a garden annexe typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £56,000–£87,500. That range is adjusted for the North East, where domestic building work typically costs around 10% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £38,500–£60,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £56,000–£87,500 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £78,500–£122,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Access for materials
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Cladding and finishes
- Heating type
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 Seaham?
Here is how the rules work for a garden annexe 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
What we take care of:
- External cladding or brickwork
- Electrics and heating
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Building control sign-off
- Insulated walls and roof
- Glazed doors and windows
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 Seaham
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Projects in Seaham (SR7) 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 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Seaham
How much does a garden annexe cost in Seaham?
In Seaham, a garden annexe typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £56,000–£87,500. 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.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
Do you build garden annexes in Seaham?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Seaham, including postcodes SR7. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
