Annexe extensions in East Sussex
Thinking about an annexe extension for your East Sussex home? Start with a free site visit: we measure up, check what the council will allow and give you honest guide figures on the day.
- Guide priceFrom £61,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Towns covered11
- Site visitFree, no obligation

Towns in East Sussex
Who an annexe extension suits
- Multi-generational families
- Relatives who need support close by
- Homes with a large side or rear garden
Planning and approvals in East Sussex
In England an annexe that stays part of the household and connects to the house is assessed as an extension, but its size usually takes it beyond permitted development, so a householder application describing the ancillary use is the normal route.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Working in East Sussex
Towns we cover in East Sussex include Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Hove, Bexhill-on-Sea, Hailsham, Seaford, Crowborough. In the South East, plenty of houses have already been extended once, which makes checking the remaining permitted development allowance an important early step.
How much does an annexe extension cost in East Sussex?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for East Sussex we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in East Sussex: £2,240 to £4,260 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio annexe 25 m² | £61,500 – £77,500 | £67,000 – £84,500 | £84,000 – £106,500 |
| One-bedroom annexe 35 m² | £78,000 – £98,500 | £94,000 – £118,000 | £117,500 – £149,000 |
| Larger annexe 45 m² | £100,500 – £126,500 | £120,500 – £151,500 | £151,000 – £192,000 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
How the project works
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
We visit your East Sussex home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Common questions in East Sussex
How long does an annexe extension take to build in East Sussex?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 10–16 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in East Sussex be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for East Sussex, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will an annexe affect council tax?
It can. Some annexes are assessed separately for council tax, with discounts or exemptions in some cases when occupied by a relative. Check with the Valuation Office Agency (England and Wales), your local assessor (Scotland) or Land & Property Services (Northern Ireland).
Does an annexe extension need planning permission?
Usually yes, because of its size and the way it will be used. Councils check that it stays ancillary to the main house, so the application must describe the use clearly.
Book a free site visit in East Sussex
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.