
Granny Annexe
This self-sufficient living area is usually called a granny annexe as they are designed in such a way that they can function as an independent yet attached or detached extension within the said property. Whether to accommodate aging relatives, adult children, or just act as an additional room, customer-centric designs by Yoop Architects can be functional and social. North London is known for completing purposed and effective annexes tucked in and around the home. This is to redress issues of space in homes which are multifunctional and feature ethnically diverse occupants.
Advantages of Investing in a Granny Annexe
Independence of Family Members: A Granny Annexe can be a perfect solution for family members who would like to live close to ‘your family’ yet in a separate unit … while also providing the much needed dependent space.
Enhance Asset Prospects: The annexe addition has been known to increase property value significantly due to high demand especially for limited land space in metropolitan cities.
Versatile: Although the term ‘Granny Annexe’ is popular, this section can also serve excellently well other activities including establishing a small office, providing lodging, and sub-letting.
Create A Work Environment Which Can Be Altered Easily: An extension can be designed in a manner that it can be structurally improved over time depending on the needs of the family which makes the house more adaptable

Granny Annex Types Available For Rent
Detached Annexe
Brief: A detached is a stand-alone structure designed for living space in proximity to the house with easy access but also with privacy in that it has its own door.
Pros: Great for families who want their golden aged relatives living close to them but still wish to give them their own space.
Detached Annexe
Summary: As the name suggests this unoiled option means that the annexe is built away from the main house’s walls as a free standing building probably in that back yard.
Pros: Suited for people who want the main house and the annex away from each other.
Garage Conversion Annexe
Summary: And the last of the options offers to convert the existing garage into a possible living area. This is quite a modern solution which doesn’t waste much of your land.
Pros: Useful for people who want to waste none of the empty area and include the ready-made self-sufficient block inside.
How much does a granny annexe cost?
The main governing factor of the cost of a new building is square footage or square meterage- how big it is. So, the bigger it is, the more it’s going to cost. Typically if you worked out a square meter at £1500, that’s a good base price for basic quality; £1900 per square meter for good quality and £2200 per square meter for excellent quality.
For an average single storey building of 20 square metres. Obviously, the build cost would be from £30,000 for basic quality, from £38,000 for good quality and from £44,000 for excellent quality.
In addition to the build costs are the interior fit-out costs, which will vary considerably based on the function of the building. Will you be supplying the building with its own water, sewage and electricity. Furthermore, if so, how will your current system need to be modified to cope with the extra demand?
You’ll also need to take into consideration professional. However, permission and agreement fees depending on your property and what you are planning.
Inside this easy to ready free guide, you will learn how much extensions, loft conversions and other renovations to your home are typically priced.
Additional Costs
- Professional Fees (builders, architects, tradesmen)
A new building of 20 square metres at a build cost of £30,000 could potentially attract professional fees from £12,000 - Permission Fees (planning permission £206 /permitted development £103)
- Other (insurance, shared drains/walls, building regulations approval or specific environmental/ecological reports for your property)
All together, it’s worth setting aside at least £2,000 to cover any fees for permissions and sign off
A single storey building of 20 square metres of basic quality, will cost a minimum of £44,000 including most fees, but excluding interior fit-out costs.
To calculate the cost of your project, Yoop Architects take a measured survey of your property, which captures all the information. Then we draw it all up in 3D and create sketches to show sometimes five or six options if it’s not entirely clear how you want to achieve your brief.
A lot of the times there are different ways of achieving your desired result and the more you work with the building, the cheaper, easier and faster your build will be. Once you’ve got a favorite scheme or a couple of favorite schemes, we have a phase called ‘Meet the Builders’. That’s when we can introduce you to a couple of builders, they visit the property and they give you a ballpark figure.
Our Process of Constructing a Granny Annexe
Consultation: Our first step is to listen to your needs and find out how much you are willing to spend. Design comfort is focused on its intended use whether it’s for senior relatives or overnight guests.
Design and Planning: The layouts designed by our architects will be in keeping with the structure, but the annexe will be self-contained with a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations: Where it is a planning process I know it can be very stressful, but we do all of it starting from obtaining planning permission to maintaining buildings in compliance with the described standards.
Construction: The last step is when we finish designing the granny annexe; that is when we look for the relevant personnel to help with construction within the set time frame and budget allocated.
Finishing Touches: We make sure that each and every detail is taken care of, event if it is the smallest one, be it fixing the cabinets or doing the landscaping, we make sure that the area to be occupied is ready for occupation.
Important Considerations When Designing a Granny Annexe
Open Plan: This promotes more effective use of space with an open plan kitchen dining and living area.
Inclusively Designed: If the annexe is meant for the golden occupants, we add features like ramps, wider door frames, and handrails.
Sustainably built: Examples of sustainable designs we incorporate include quality insulation, energy star rated appliances or materials and finishes that are eco friendly.
Interior Design: Interiors designed to suit the main house creating a flow and a visually pleasing outlook.
Benefits Of Using Yoop Architects
Innovation: Every annexe design is different from the following one to respond to the individual client’s needs and way of life.
All-in-one Service: We assure you that all stages of the project including planning and implementation will be handled by us to ensure proper delivery.
Expertise: After many years of designing annexes within North London, we understand how best to use the space without exceeding the required limits.
Green Solutions: We provide green materials and strategies to make your annex sustainable in terms of energy consumption and connection to the environment.
Get Started on Your Granny Annexe Today
Do you want to provide an additional self-contained living area that adds value to your home? At Yoop Architects, we aim to provide annexes that achieve independence, comfort, and design. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation regarding how to create a suitable Granny Annexe for your family’s needs.
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