House Extensions in London

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Extension Types

Types of house extension in London

🏠

Single-Storey Rear Extension

The most popular London extension type. Opens up the ground floor with a kitchen-diner, adding space and value to terraces and semis.

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🏗️

Double-Storey Extension

Adds space on both floors simultaneously. Typically more cost-effective per square metre than building two separate single-storey projects.

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🪟

Side Return Extension

Fills the narrow side passage common in Victorian terraces to create a wider, brighter kitchen or dining room. Very popular in inner London.

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🔨

Wrap-Around Extension

Combines a rear and side return extension for maximum ground floor space. Transforms the layout of Victorian terrace houses.

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🏡

Kitchen-Diner Extension

Open-plan kitchen, dining and living space extending from the rear. The most sought-after layout for London family homes.

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🌿

Garden / Orangery Extension

Glazed roof lanterns, bifold doors and structural glass bring the outside in. Popular for kitchen extensions across all London boroughs.

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Costs

House extension costs in London (2026)

JobLow estimateHigh estimate
Single-storey rear extension£25,000£50,000
Double-storey extension£45,000£90,000
Side return extension£20,000£40,000
Wrap-around extension£35,000£70,000
Kitchen-diner (open plan)£30,000£60,000
Structural engineer fees£1,500£3,000
Architect fees£3,000£8,000
Planning application fee (householder)£206£206
Party wall agreement (per neighbour)£700£2,000
Lawful Development Certificate£103£206

Prices are estimates for London 2026. Costs vary by specification, borough, ground conditions, and access. Always get multiple quotes.

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About house extensions in London

House extensions are the most popular home improvement project in London. With property prices at a premium and moving costs — stamp duty, legal fees, estate agents — significant, extending an existing home almost always makes better financial sense than upsizing. A well-designed single-storey rear extension adds 10–15 square metres to a Victorian terrace, transforming a cramped back room into an open-plan kitchen-diner that modern buyers expect. Double-storey extensions add space on both floors simultaneously and are more cost-effective per square metre than two separate projects. Side return extensions are particularly popular in inner London's Victorian terraces, using the narrow side passage to widen the kitchen without touching the rear garden.

Permitted Development rights allow many London homeowners to build single-storey rear extensions without a planning application, provided the extension stays within national size limits. However, conservation areas, Article 4 Directions, and listed buildings can remove these rights — and London has more conservation areas per square kilometre than almost any other UK city. Always confirm your planning position before commissioning architects or builders. If your extension requires planning permission, the standard 8-week decision period applies, though pre-application advice from the council can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions — house extensions in London

Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in London?+
Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions in London fall under Permitted Development (PD) rights, provided they stay within set limits: typically up to 3m beyond the rear wall for a terraced or semi-detached house, or up to 4m for a detached house. Larger extensions up to 6m (terraced/semi) or 8m (detached) may be possible under the Neighbour Consultation Scheme. However, conservation areas, Article 4 Directions, and listed buildings can remove or restrict PD rights across many London streets. Always check with your local council before starting work.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in London?+
A double-storey house extension in London typically costs £45,000–£90,000, depending on size, specification, and location. Inner London boroughs with harder ground conditions, conservation area constraints, or more complex party wall situations tend to sit at the upper end of this range. Always get at least three quotes and ensure each builder is working from the same drawings so costs are genuinely comparable.
How long does the planning application process take for a house extension in London?+
A standard householder planning application in London takes 8 weeks from the date of a valid submission. In practice, many applications take 10–14 weeks including pre-application queries, preparation of drawings, and council processing times during busy periods. Fast-track pre-application services are available from most London boroughs if you need a quicker decision. Where Permitted Development applies, you can proceed without a planning application, though a Lawful Development Certificate is recommended.
What is a party wall agreement and do I need one for a house extension?+
A party wall agreement (or party wall award) is required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 if your extension is built on or near a shared boundary, within 3 metres of a neighbouring foundation, or if you are carrying out work on a shared wall. For most London terrace extensions, a party wall notice must be served on neighbours at least 2 months before work starts. If neighbours consent in writing, no surveyor is needed. If they dissent, both parties appoint surveyors who agree the award. Agreements typically cost £700–£2,000 per neighbour.
What is the difference between Permitted Development and full planning permission for an extension?+
Permitted Development (PD) is a right granted by national legislation that allows certain building works without a planning application, provided they stay within defined limits. Full planning permission is required when PD limits are exceeded, when PD rights have been removed (conservation areas, Article 4 Directions, listed buildings), or when the extension is on a flat or commercial property. A Lawful Development Certificate confirms that your extension is lawful under PD — this is not mandatory but strongly recommended before selling or remortgaging.
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