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 Wiltshire?
In Wiltshire, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £65,000–£100,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Wiltshire reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £44,500–£68,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £65,000–£100,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £90,500–£139,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,850 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
- Heating type
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 Wiltshire?
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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Electrics and heating
- Building control sign-off
- Kitchenette and shower room
- External cladding or brickwork
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Insulated walls and roof
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Wiltshire
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Towns we cover in Wiltshire include Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Melksham.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Wiltshire
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 Wiltshire?
In Wiltshire, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £65,000–£100,000. 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.
Who approves a garden annexe in Wiltshire?
Planning matters in Wiltshire go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
