Covering Essex
Our garden annexes service in Essex covers Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford and more.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
What is a garden annexe?
A garden annexe is a separate single-storey building in the grounds of a house with its own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, used by family members as part of the main household. Unlike a garden office, an annexe that people sleep in normally needs planning permission and full building regulations approval.
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Heating, hot water and electrics
- Accessible design options for older relatives
What is the guide price for a garden annexe in Essex?
Guide prices for garden annexes, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Garden annexes | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £2,400 to £2,900 per m² |
| Good specification | £2,900 to £3,400 per m² |
| High specification | £3,400 to £3,900 per m² |
How is a garden annexe approved in Essex?
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.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England. Permitted development for outbuildings does not cover living accommodation.
What should I think about before starting?
- Drainage may need a pump if the garden falls away from the sewer.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
From first call to completion
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Garden annexes: common questions
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe?
Usually yes, because people will sleep in it. Outbuilding permitted development does not cover living accommodation.
How much does a garden annexe cost?
Around £2,400 to £3,900 per square metre including VAT, depending on finish and services.
Can you visit a house in Essex to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Garden annexes in nearby towns
- Garden annexes in Southend-on-Sea
- Garden annexes in Basildon
- Garden annexes in Colchester
- Garden annexes in Chelmsford
- Garden annexes in Harlow
- Garden annexes in Grays
- Garden annexes in Braintree
- Garden annexes in Brentwood
- Garden annexes in Clacton-on-Sea
- Garden annexes in South Benfleet
- Garden annexes in Canvey Island
- Garden annexes in Billericay
- Garden annexes in Loughton
- Garden annexes in Rayleigh
- Garden annexes in Stanford-le-Hope
- Garden annexes in Wickford
- Garden annexes in Witham
- Garden annexes in Pitsea
- Garden annexes in Maldon
- Garden annexes in Waltham Abbey
- Garden annexes in South Ockendon
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Essex.