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 South Ockendon?
In South Ockendon, a garden annexe typically costs £1,900–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £66,500–£103,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East of England, where labour and materials are typically about 6% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £45,500–£71,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £66,500–£103,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £93,000–£144,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,950 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Drainage connection distance
- Heating type
- Access for materials
- Size and layout
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 South Ockendon?
The approval route for South Ockendon is set by planning law 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
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Planning drawings and application
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
- External cladding or brickwork
- Glazed doors and windows
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in South Ockendon
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
From RM15 outwards, we take on projects throughout South Ockendon and the surrounding parts of Essex.
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 South Ockendon
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
How much does a garden annexe cost in South Ockendon?
In South Ockendon, a garden annexe typically costs £1,900–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £66,500–£103,000. 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.
Do you build garden annexes in South Ockendon?
Yes. We build garden annexes across South Ockendon, including postcodes RM15. 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.
