What is a wraparound extension?
A wraparound extension combines a side return and a rear extension into one L-shaped addition. It gives the largest possible ground floor, often creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space across the whole width of the house.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Brighton?
In Brighton, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,450–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £68,500–£101,000. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £49,000–£72,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £68,500–£101,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £95,500–£140,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,450–£3,600 |
What moves the price most:
- Party wall surveyor fees for one or both neighbours
- Access for materials on terraced streets
- Total footprint and the amount of glazing
- Steelwork and propping of the existing 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 a wraparound extension in Brighton?
Before anything is built in Brighton, we confirm which approvals apply in England. In England a wraparound extension combines side and rear elements, which normally takes it outside permitted development, so a householder planning application is made.
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
What we take care of:
- Design and planning application
- Removal of internal and external walls
- Walls, roof and glazing
- Structural engineer’s design for steels and supports
- Foundations and drainage
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 18 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Brighton
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
We work across Brighton and neighbouring areas such as Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean. Postcodes we cover in Brighton include BN2.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about wraparound extensions in Brighton
Will both neighbours be affected?
Usually only the neighbour on the side return side, but rear foundations near either boundary can trigger party wall notices.
Does a wraparound extension need planning permission?
Almost always. Combining side and rear elements usually goes beyond permitted development limits, so a householder planning application is normally made.
How long does a wraparound extension take in Brighton?
Typically 12 to 18 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Brighton?
In Brighton, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,450–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £68,500–£101,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is a wraparound worth it?
It gives the biggest ground-floor space without going upwards. Whether it adds value depends on your street and house, so we suggest checking local sale prices before committing.