EXTENSION AUDIT
GARAGE CONVERSION AUDIT
STRUCTURAL LOFT CONVERSION AUDIT
PRE-PURCHASE FEASABILITY CONSULTATION
TEMPORARY WORKS
STEEL WORK CONNECTIONS
SITE VISIT
INTERIOR MINOR ALTERATIONS
CDM & ASSOCIATED REPORTS
HEALTH & SAFETY REPORTS
3D MODELLING (from)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SOIL INVESTIGATION REPORTS
AIR PRESSURE TESTING
SOUND TESTING
BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATIONS
AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING
SOUND INSULATION TESTING
PART F VENTILATION TESTING
RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVICE & INSTALL
ENERGY STATEMENTS
THERMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS & TESTING
CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES
PART G WATER CALCS
DOMESTIC EPC’S FOR LANDLORDS & HOMEOWNERS
The UK Government is moving toward planning reforms that support multi-generational living, and granny annexes are at the centre of this shift.
For many homeowners, building a granny annexe could soon become easier and more straight forward.
With housing shortages, rising care costs, and increasing property prices, policymakers are recognising that families need flexible living solutions within existing homes.
For many families, a granny annexe is not just about extra space.
It allows parents to remain independent while staying close to family. Children can receive support with childcare, and elderly relatives avoid the high costs of care homes.
A well-designed annexe can:
A granny annexe is a self-contained living space built within the grounds of an existing property.
Typically it includes:
They are most commonly used for:
Unlike a separate house, an annexe is normally considered ancillary accommodation, meaning it remains part of the main dwelling.
Across Sussex including Brighton, Worthing, Lewes, Horsham, Chichester and Eastbourne, more homeowners are choosing to build granny annexes within their gardens.
There are several reasons for this shift:
Instead of moving house, many families are choosing to adapt their existing property.
A granny annexe allows parents, adult children or guests to live independently while remaining close to the main household.
Typical construction costs are:
Modular annexe £60,000 – £90,000
Timber frame annexe £90,000 – £130,000
Brick-built annexe £120,000 – £180,000+
Costs depend on:
Despite the cost, annexes are often cheaper than moving house.
Yes, a well-designed granny annexe can significantly increase the value of a property.
Estate agents often report 10–20% value increases depending on location and design quality.
They also make homes more attractive to:
In many cases, the value added can exceed the cost of construction.
Recent planning policy discussions in the UK are increasingly focused on making better use of existing residential land.
Government planning reforms are encouraging local councils to:
This shift means that ancillary accommodation such as granny annexes is increasingly viewed positively by planning authorities, particularly when it remains connected to the main house.
Local authorities across Sussex are also under pressure to increase housing supply, which means smaller residential developments that support family living are often viewed more favourably.
For homeowners, this creates an important opportunity.
Building a granny annexe now means benefiting from:
Planning requirements vary between local authorities such as:
Most granny annexes require planning permission, especially when they include full residential facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
However some smaller buildings may fall within permitted development rules depending on:
Even where planning permission is not required, Building Regulations approval will still apply.
Granny annexes may fall under permitted development if they:
Because most annexes include kitchens and bathrooms, they usually require full planning permission.
This is why planning strategy is important.
Building a granny annexe requires multiple disciplines:
Many homeowners struggle when these services are handled by separate companies.
We provide a complete solution.
Our team specialises in delivering granny annexe projects across Sussex.
We handle:
✔ planning applications
✔ architectural design
✔ structural engineering
✔ building regulations
✔ construction
This integrated approach reduces delays and ensures every part of the project works together.
All construction work comes with a 10-year insurance-backed structural warranty.
This provides long-term protection for homeowners and reassurance for future buyers.
Thinking about building Granny Annexe? Start with a free feasibility review of your property.
Every property and family is different. That’s why our planning team have developed a range of carefully designed annexe layouts that maximise comfort, independence and efficient use of space.
Each design can be adapted to suit your garden, planning requirements and personal preferences.
This design is ideal for smaller gardens while still providing all the essentials for comfortable independent living.
The layout includes a spacious open-plan living and kitchen area, a generous bedroom, and a fully equipped bathroom. A dedicated utility space helps keep the living areas organised and functional.
The open-plan design creates a bright and welcoming interior while maintaining privacy between the bedroom and living space.
This annexe works particularly well for:
Despite its compact footprint, the design provides everything needed for a fully self-contained home.
This larger one-bedroom design offers more generous living space and a more defined internal layout.
The plan includes:
The increased floor area allows for a larger dining and lounge area, making it ideal for long-term independent living.
This option is popular with families who want to create a comfortable home for parents or relatives while maintaining a high level of space and comfort.
It is also a good solution for homeowners who want an annexe that feels closer to a small bungalow rather than a studio-style layout.
For families needing more flexibility, this two-bedroom annexe offers a spacious and practical design.
The layout includes:
This design works well for:
The additional bedroom makes the property far more versatile and allows the annexe to evolve as family needs change.
This design focuses on maximising living space while maintaining two bedrooms.
The layout includes:
The living area becomes the central social space of the annexe, creating a bright and comfortable environment for everyday living.
This design is ideal for homeowners who want the feeling of a small independent home within their garden.
Thinking about building Granny Annexe? Start with a free feasibility review of your property.
.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
STAAC Designs Limited t/a STAAC. Company No - 10638628
Registered Office: 62 Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, BN21 3RL, UK
Registered With Companies House Cardiff
