What is an orangery?

An orangery is an extension with brick or block piers, large areas of glazing and a solid perimeter roof around a central roof lantern. It sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension: brighter than an extension, warmer and more private than a conservatory.
How much does an orangery cost in Catford?
In Catford, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £49,500–£70,500. The guide for Catford reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £34,000–£48,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £49,500–£70,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £68,000–£97,000 |
| Rate per m² | £3,100–£4,400 |
What moves the price most:
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Heating and flooring
- Frame material and colour
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 an orangery in Catford?
The approval route for Catford is set by planning law in England. In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
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:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Building control sign-off where required
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Catford
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
From SE6 outwards, we take on projects throughout Catford and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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 orangeries in Catford
Do you build orangeries in Catford?
Yes. We build orangeries across Catford, including postcodes SE6. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Does an orangery need building regulations approval?
If it is open to the house or does not meet the conservatory exemption, yes. Most orangeries are treated as extensions and need building control approval, which we arrange.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How much does an orangery cost in Catford?
In Catford, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £49,500–£70,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
