Covering Hertford
Hertford is about 11 miles east of St Albans. We also cover Hoddesdon (4 miles to the south-east), Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
What does a garden annexe involve?
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.
- Brick, block or timber-frame structure
- Kitchenette and shower room
- 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. Permitted development for outbuildings does not cover living accommodation.
What should Hertford homeowners check first?
- A level threshold and wider doors make the annexe suitable for later life.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
How much does a garden annexe cost?
Around £2,400 to £3,900 per square metre including VAT, depending on finish and services.
Can I rent the annexe out?
Usually not without a separate planning permission, because councils normally require it to stay part of the main house.
How do I get a price for garden annexes in Hertford?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Garden annexes near Hertford
- Garden annexes in Hoddesdon
- Garden annexes in Welwyn Garden City
- Garden annexes in Hatfield
- Garden annexes in Cheshunt
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Hertford.

