Double-storey extensions in Highbury
A double-storey extension in Highbury starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in HighburyFrom £49,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsN1C, N1, N4, N5, N7
What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Highbury?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Highbury we use our London factor (×1.3). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Highbury: £2,020 to £3,900 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £49,000 – £59,000 | £56,000 – £73,500 | £71,500 – £94,000 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £64,000 – £77,000 | £74,500 – £98,000 | £95,500 – £125,000 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £96,500 – £115,500 | £112,000 – £147,000 | £143,500 – £187,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Extensions in and around Highbury
Postcode districts we cover around Highbury include N1C, N1, N4, N5, N7, N16. Nearby, we also take on projects in Holloway (1 mile), Stamford Hill (2 miles), Camden Town (2 miles), Chalk Farm (2 miles).
London's housing is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many with a rear outrigger and a side return, and 1930s semis in the outer boroughs. Conservation areas are common, so the planning check comes first.
What is included
- Ground and first floor structure, roof tied into the existing roof
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
- Householder planning application where needed
The roof is what makes a two-storey extension look right or wrong. We match the pitch and materials of the main house wherever possible and plan the upstairs layout around the existing landing so the new rooms feel original rather than bolted on.
Planning rules that apply in Highbury
In England a two-storey rear extension is permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m from the original rear wall, sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, matches the roof pitch and uses obscure, non-opening side windows upstairs. Most two-storey extensions therefore go through a householder planning application, which costs £548 from 1 April 2026 and normally takes about 8 weeks.
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.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
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).
Our process, step by step
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 Highbury 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
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Double-storey extension questions answered
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Highbury?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Do I need building regulations approval in Highbury?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Highbury, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?
If you are in England or Wales and the work involves a shared wall or digging foundations close to a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts. We tell you which notices are needed.
Does a double-storey extension need planning permission?
Often, yes. In England a two-storey rear extension can be permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m and sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching roof pitch and obscure side windows. Side extensions over one storey always need planning permission. We confirm the route at the survey.
Book a free site visit in Highbury
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.