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 Whitley Bay?
In Whitley Bay, 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. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North East, where labour and materials are typically about 10% below 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Drainage connection distance
- Access for materials
- 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 Whitley Bay?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Whitley Bay follow the rules for 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Building control sign-off
- Insulated walls and roof
- Planning drawings and application
- External cladding or brickwork
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Glazed doors and windows
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Whitley Bay
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Our Whitley Bay coverage includes postcode districts NE26, and we also work in nearby places such as North Shields, Tynemouth and South Shields.
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
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Whitley Bay
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.
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.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Whitley Bay?
In Whitley Bay, 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.
How long does a garden annexe take in Whitley Bay?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.