What Is a Granny Annexe? The Complete UK Guide

A granny annexe is a self-contained home built within the grounds of your existing property, designed to give a family member their own independent living space while keeping them close. Whether you are planning for an elderly parent, an adult child, or a long-term guest, a granny annexe offers a practical and increasingly popular solution for families across the UK.

At a glance

What it is

A fully self-contained home in your garden

Includes

Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space

Planning permission

Usually not required. We handle it all.

Starting price

From £85,000 fully installed

Build time

Around six to seven months from order to completion

Service

Full turn-key. One company, start to finish.

Unlike a simple room addition or a garden room, a granny annexe is a fully habitable home. It includes its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living space, giving your loved one everything they need to live independently without ever having to leave the family property.

What Does a Granny Annexe Include?

Every granny annexe from Garden Annexes comes fully self-contained as standard. That means your loved one gets a complete home, not a compromise.

Feature	Included as Standard	Why It Matters
Kitchen	Fully fitted with Bosch appliances	Complete independence from the main house
Bathroom	WC, basin and electric shower. Wet room option available.	Designed for accessibility and comfort
Bedroom	Warm and insulated, with fitted storage	Configured to your layout and lifestyle
Living space	Open plan or separate lounge	Light, bright and spacious by design
Utilities	Fully connected. Electric, water and heating included.	Move-in ready from day one

How Is a Granny Annexe Different from a Garden Room?

A garden room is typically used as an office, studio or hobby space. It is not designed for full-time living and does not include a kitchen or bathroom as standard.

A granny annexe is built to residential standards. It is a permanent, habitable home that happens to sit in your garden. The distinction matters for planning purposes, build quality, insulation, utilities and long-term livability.

How Much Does a Granny Annexe Cost?

Prices start from £59,185 for a fully installed annexe, with most families investing between £85,000 and £110,000 all-in for a one-bedroom home. Every quote is fixed, transparent and tailored to your specific plot. The Site Pack, which covers foundations and service connections, is priced separately following your free site survey.

How Long Does It Take?

From order to completion, most projects take around six to seven months. This covers design, planning or certification, manufacturing at our Suffolk factory, and installation on your site. Our dedicated project managers keep you updated at every stage from first conversation to handover.

Which Range Is Right for You?

Garden Annexes offers four distinct ranges, each available in 24 sizes. Whether you are drawn to the contemporary lines of the XB, the European modernist value of the Annexxa, the classic British character of the St George, or the rural warmth of the Ivyo, there is a design to suit every home and every garden.

Is a Granny Annexe Right for Your Family?

If you are looking to support an elderly parent, give an adult child a head start, or simply create flexible space on your property, a granny annexe is worth serious consideration. It keeps your family close, avoids the cost and disruption of moving, and adds long-term value to your home.

The best starting point is a free site survey. Our team will visit your garden, assess what is possible and give you a full fixed-price quote with no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a granny annexe the same as a garden room?

  No. A garden room is typically an unheated or semi-heated space used for work or leisure. A granny annexe is a fully habitable home built to residential standards, with its own kitchen, bathroom, heating and utilities. The two are very different in terms of planning, build quality and purpose.

• What is a granny annexe used for?

  A granny annexe is most commonly used to provide independent living space for an elderly relative, allowing them to stay close to family while maintaining their own privacy and routine. They are also used for adult children, long-term guests or as a flexible home working and living space.

• How long does it take to build a granny annexe?

  From order to completion, most projects take around six to seven months. This covers the design and personalisation stage, planning or certification, manufacturing at our Suffolk factory, and installation on your site.

• Can a granny annexe be fully self-contained?

  Yes. Every Garden Annexe is fully self-contained as standard, with its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living space and utility connections. Your loved one can live completely independently without needing to enter the main house.

• Does a granny annexe add value to your home?

  Yes, in most cases. A well-built, fully installed granny annexe adds usable living space to your property and is increasingly valued by buyers. It also eliminates the need for costly care home arrangements, keeping more of the family wealth intact long term.

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