Covering Harlow
Harlow sits 16 miles west of Chelmsford, with Hoddesdon 5 miles to the west and Bishop's Stortford 7 miles to the north.
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.
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Brick, block or timber-frame structure
- Heating, hot water and electrics
How much should I budget for a garden annexe?
What garden annexes typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
What approvals does a garden annexe need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England.
What can affect a garden annexe?
- 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.
What are the steps?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Questions about a garden annexe in Harlow
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 make it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a level-access shower can be designed in from the start.
Who deals with the council for a project in Harlow?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Garden annexes in Hoddesdon
- Garden annexes in Bishop's Stortford
- Garden annexes in Waltham Abbey
- Garden annexes in Cheshunt
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Harlow.