Single-storey rear extensions across Finchley
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build single-storey extensions in Finchley and the surrounding Greater London area.
- Guide price in FinchleyFrom £27,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsN2, N3, N12, NW4, NW7
What should I budget for a single-storey extension in Finchley?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Finchley we use our London factor (×1.3). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Finchley: £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £27,000 – £32,000 | £31,500 – £41,000 | £40,500 – £53,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £45,500 – £53,500 | £53,000 – £68,000 | £67,500 – £88,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £68,000 – £80,000 | £79,500 – £101,500 | £101,000 – £133,000 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Working in Finchley
Our survey diary covers Finchley, including N2, N3, N12, NW4, NW7, NW11. Neighbouring towns we cover include Golders Green (2 miles), Friern Barnet (2 miles), Muswell Hill (2 miles), Cricklewood (3 miles).
For homes towards Hertfordshire, Borehamwood is around 5 miles away. 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.
Planning and approvals in Finchley
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.
The planning position for a specific Finchley address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
Who a single-storey extension suits
- Homeowners who want open-plan living onto the garden
- Terraced houses that want a deeper kitchen across the full width
- Semi-detached and detached houses with a usable rear garden
What happens next
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Single-storey extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Finchley?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Will my neighbours in Finchley 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.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Finchley?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
How much does a single-storey extension cost per square metre?
Our guide range is about £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification. A standard-spec 4 m × 5 m room usually lands at £53,000 to £68,000 in Finchley, plus design and council fees.
How deep can a single-storey rear extension be without planning permission?
In England, up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Through the larger home extension prior approval scheme those depths rise to 6 m and 8 m. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own rules, which we check for your address.
Book a free site visit in Finchley
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.