Covering Stamford Hill
Alongside Stamford Hill, we also cover Highbury, Tottenham (2 miles to the north) and Holloway.
Homes in London
Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.
What is an upward extension?
The first question is whether the existing walls and foundations can carry the extra load, so we start with a structural survey. Then we design either a full first floor or a raised roof with dormers, handle planning or prior approval, and build the new storey while protecting the floor below.
- Structural survey of walls and foundations
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
What will an upward extension cost?
Indicative costs for bungalow and upward extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
What approvals does an upward extension need in England?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
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 Stamford Hill homeowners check first?
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
From first call to completion
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
What people ask before starting
Can I add a first floor to my bungalow?
Often yes, if the walls and foundations can carry the load and planning allows. We check the structure first.
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.
Do you work in Stamford Hill?
Yes. Stamford Hill is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Highbury and Tottenham.
Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Highbury
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Tottenham
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Holloway
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Islington
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Stamford Hill.

