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 Greenwich?
In Greenwich, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,850–£4,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £80,000–£116,000. 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 (20 m²) | £57,000–£83,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £80,000–£116,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £111,000–£162,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,850–£4,150 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchen and flooring specification
- Drainage changes
- Total footprint and the amount of glazing
- Steelwork and propping of the existing house
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a wraparound extension in Greenwich?
Here is how the rules work for a wraparound extension 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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a wraparound extension:
- Foundations and drainage
- Underfloor heating option, electrics and plastering
- Walls, roof and glazing
- Design and planning application
- Removal of internal and external walls
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 18 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Greenwich
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Projects in Greenwich (SE10) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
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 wraparound extensions in Greenwich
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.
Who approves a wraparound extension in Greenwich?
Planning matters in Greenwich go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
What about the old back addition?
The side wall of the back addition is usually removed and replaced with a steel beam, so the old kitchen joins the new space.
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.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Greenwich?
In Greenwich, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,850–£4,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £80,000–£116,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
