Covering Ilford
Our coverage around Ilford (IG1, IG4, IG5) also includes Barking (2 miles to the south) and Becontree.
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 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.
- Design and planning application
- Heating, hot water and electrics
- Accessible design options for older relatives
What is the guide price for a garden annexe in Ilford?
Indicative costs for garden annexes. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 can change the price or programme?
- 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 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.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Your questions answered
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 long does an annexe take to build?
About 14 to 24 weeks on site after approvals.
Can you visit a house in Ilford 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 Barking
- Garden annexes in Becontree
- Garden annexes in Leytonstone
- Garden annexes in Stratford
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Ilford.

