Bungalow and upward extensions in Brixton

Covering Brixton

We work in Brixton (SW2) and the places around it, including Peckham, Battersea and Streatham.

Homes in London

Terraced houses dominate many London neighbourhoods, so most projects involve shared walls, narrow access and a party wall process. Conservation areas are widespread, and some boroughs have their own mansard and basement guidance.

What do you get with an upward extension?

An upward extension adds a new storey on top of an existing house, most often turning a bungalow into a two-storey or chalet-style home. It can double the floor area without using any of the garden.

Design and planning or prior approval application
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout

What is the guide price for an upward extension in Brixton?

Guide prices for bungalow and upward extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

Bungalow and upward extensions	Guide price incl. VAT
Chalet conversion with dormers (total)	£45,000 to £85,000
New first floor, standard specification	£2,200 to £2,800 per m²
New first floor, good specification	£2,800 to £3,300 per m²
New first floor, high specification	£3,300 to £3,800 per m²

Planning and building rules in Brixton

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

In England, Class AA permitted development allows an extra storey on many detached and semi-detached houses built between July 1948 and October 2018, subject to a prior approval application covering design, neighbours’ amenity and other matters. Houses in conservation areas and other protected land need full planning permission, as do most chalet conversions with front dormers.

What should I think about before starting?

Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.

What happens after I enquire?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

How much does it cost to add a storey?

Around £2,200 to £3,800 per square metre of new floor including VAT, or £45,000 to £85,000 for a chalet conversion with dormers.

Is an upward extension permitted development?

In England, Class AA allows it on many post-1948 houses through a prior approval application. Elsewhere planning permission is needed.

Who deals with the council for a project in Brixton?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Brixton.