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 Highgate?
In Highgate, 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. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Highgate are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen and flooring specification
- Drainage changes
- Party wall surveyor fees for one or both neighbours
- Steelwork and propping of the existing house
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 a wraparound extension in Highgate?
The approval route for Highgate is set by planning law 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
Handled as part of most wraparound extensions:
- Underfloor heating option, electrics and plastering
- Design and planning application
- Structural engineer’s design for steels and supports
- Building control completion
- Foundations and drainage
- Removal of internal and external walls
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Highgate
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
If your home is in Highgate or close by in Hampstead, Crouch End and Camden, a free home visit is the first step.
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 Highgate
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Highgate?
In Highgate, 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.
Can we keep a separate living room?
Yes. Many clients keep the front room separate and open up only the back of the house.
Who approves a wraparound extension in Highgate?
Planning matters in Highgate 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.
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.