Covering Swanley
Swanley is about 17 miles north-west of Maidstone. We also cover Bexley (3 miles to the north), Dartford and Welling.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What do you get with a garden annexe?
We design annexes as permanent buildings with proper foundations, insulation and services, and we prepare the planning case showing how the annexe will be used as part of the main home. Connections for water, drainage and power are planned from the start.
- Brick, block or timber-frame structure
- Heating, hot water and electrics
- Accessible design options for older relatives
What is the guide price for a garden annexe in Swanley?
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?
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?
- The annexe normally has to remain part of the main household, not let as a separate home.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
How does the project run?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Garden annexes: common questions
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 long does an annexe take to build?
About 14 to 24 weeks on site after approvals.
Do you work in Swanley?
Yes. Swanley is within our coverage for garden annexes, along with nearby Bexley and Dartford.
Garden annexes near Swanley
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Swanley.