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 Stirling?
In Stirling, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £61,000–£94,500. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Stirling are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £42,000–£65,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £61,000–£94,500 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £86,000–£132,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,700 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Access for materials
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Size and layout
- Drainage connection distance
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 Stirling?
The approval route for Stirling is set by planning law in Scotland. In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Planning drawings and application
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics and heating
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Glazed doors and windows
- External cladding or brickwork
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Stirling
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
If your home is in Stirling or close by in Alloa, Falkirk and Grangemouth, 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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Stirling
Who approves a garden annexe in Stirling?
Planning matters in Stirling go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Stirling?
In Stirling, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £61,000–£94,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe in Stirling?
In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
