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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, 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 Forest Hill 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Frame material and colour
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
- Amount and type of glazing
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Forest Hill?
Before anything is built in Forest Hill, 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Forest Hill
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 SE23 outwards, we take on projects throughout Forest Hill and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Forest Hill
Who approves an orangery in Forest Hill?
Planning matters in Forest Hill go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
How much does an orangery cost in Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, 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.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a solid roof around a central lantern and more brickwork, while a conservatory is mostly glazed. Orangeries are usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer.