Covering Islington
Islington is about 2 miles north-east of London. We also cover Highbury (1 miles to the north), Holloway and Camden Town.
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 goes into 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.
- Brick, block or timber-frame structure
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Accessible design options for older relatives
How much should I budget for a garden annexe?
Use these ranges to budget for garden annexes; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
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.
- A level threshold and wider doors make the annexe suitable for later life.
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.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- 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 Islington
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 Islington 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 Highbury
- Garden annexes in Holloway
- Garden annexes in Camden Town
- Garden annexes in Archway
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Islington.

