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 Eltham?
In Eltham, 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. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
- Opening into the house
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 an orangery in Eltham?
Before anything is built in Eltham, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Building control sign-off where required
- Flooring and decoration options
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Eltham
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Our Eltham coverage includes postcode districts SE9, and we also work in nearby places such as Blackheath, Welling and Sidcup.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about orangeries in Eltham
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 an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Does an orangery need planning permission?
The same rules as a single-storey extension apply. Many are permitted development, depending on depth, height and your house’s location.
How long does an orangery take in Eltham?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does an orangery cost in Eltham?
In Eltham, 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.