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 Southend-on-Sea?
In Southend-on-Sea, 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. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Southend-on-Sea. 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
- Cladding and finishes
- Heating type
- 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 Southend-on-Sea?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Insulated walls and roof
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics and heating
- Glazed doors and windows
- External cladding or brickwork
- Planning drawings and application
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 Southend-on-Sea
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Projects in Southend-on-Sea (SS1, SS22 and SS99) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Southend-on-Sea
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 Southend-on-Sea?
In Southend-on-Sea, 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.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Do you build garden annexes in Southend-on-Sea?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Southend-on-Sea, including postcodes SS1, SS22 and SS99. Every project starts with a free home visit.
