Brighton kitchen extensions, designed and built
If you live in Brighton and want more space without moving, a kitchen extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in BrightonFrom £30,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBN1, BN2, BN3, BN41

When a kitchen extension makes sense
- Homes being prepared for sale or a long-term stay
- Families who want cooking, dining and living together
- Small or closed-off kitchens
We start with the working triangle and the island, then set the doors, glazing and roof lights around it. Getting this order right avoids the classic mistakes: a sink against a blank wall, glare on the hob or a fridge blocking the garden view.
Local to Brighton
Site visits are available across Brighton (BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41). The same team covers Hove (1 mile), Portslade (3 miles), Peacehaven (6 miles), Seaford (11 miles), all within easy reach.
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 a kitchen extension cost in Brighton?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Brighton we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Brighton: £2,020 to £3,920 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m 15 m² | £30,000 – £35,500 | £35,000 – £45,000 | £44,500 – £59,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £40,000 – £47,500 | £47,000 – £59,500 | £59,000 – £78,500 |
| 4 m × 7 m 28 m² | £56,000 – £66,000 | £65,500 – £83,500 | £83,000 – £110,000 |
Build cost only. A mid-range kitchen, supplied and fitted, typically adds £9,000 to £20,000.
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Do I need planning permission in Brighton?
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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 over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
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 Brighton home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Kitchen extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Brighton?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a kitchen extension take to build in Brighton?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Brighton, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Where should the island go?
Usually under the brightest part of the roof and away from the main walkway to the garden. We test two or three layouts on the plan before deciding.
How much does a kitchen extension cost?
For the extension itself our guide range is about £2,020 to £3,920 per m² including VAT. A standard 20 m² kitchen extension is typically around £47,000 to £59,500 in Brighton, plus the kitchen itself, which commonly adds £9,000 to £20,000 for a mid-range design.
Book a free site visit in Brighton
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.