A granny annex is a self-contained living space located on the same property as the main home. It’s designed to provide independent living for elderly relatives, allowing them to remain close to family while maintaining their autonomy. These annexes can range from small, one-bedroom units to larger multi-room setups, offering all the necessary amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and living area.

Depending on its size, location, and use, planning permission may be required. Many granny annexes fall under permitted development rights, which allow you to build without full planning permission as long as certain conditions are met (e.g., annexes must not exceed a certain height or size, and they must be used as ancillary accommodation). Our team can guide you through the process and check whether your project requires a formal application. We may support you with submitting a 'Certificate of Lawfulness' for your 'annex' / 'mobile' home, as another route so you don't need full planning permission.

The required space depends on the size of the annexe you’re considering. We offer various models to suit different plot sizes, from compact one-bedroom units to larger, more spacious annexes. As a general guide, you’ll need enough room for both the annexe itself and any required access or services such as electricity and water connections. We recommend a site visit to assess your specific needs.

Granny annexes provide numerous benefits, including:

• Proximity to family: Elderly relatives can maintain their independence while being close to loved ones.

• Cost savings: Reduces care home or nursing costs, as family members can assist with care.

• Flexible living space: Can be repurposed later for guests, rental income, or as a home office.

• Increased property value: In some cases, adding an annexe can increase your property’s resale value.

The cost of a granny annexe varies based on size, design, materials, and customization options. Typically, prices range from £60,000 to £100,000, including installation. Additional costs may include groundwork, utilities connections, and any planning permission fees (if required). We offer a transparent pricing structure and can provide a detailed quote based on your specific requirements.

The timeline for building and installing a granny annex can vary, but on average, the process takes around 8-12 weeks from order to completion. This includes design, manufacturing, and on-site installation. Factors such as weather conditions, site preparation, and planning permission (if required) can affect the overall timeframe.

Yes, our granny annexes incorporate eco-friendly materials and technologies to reduce their environmental impact. We use sustainable building materials such as timber and insulation made from natural fibres. Many of our models also come with energy-saving features like solar panels, water reducing fixtures such as aerated taps and shower heads, and energy-efficient heating and lighting to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Absolutely! While granny annexes are often used for elderly relatives, they are versatile spaces that can be used as guest accommodation, a home office, a studio, or even as a rental property for extra income. The flexible design makes it easy to adapt to your changing needs over time.

Granny annexes are typically considered permanent structures if they are designed for year-round living and have a permanent foundation. This can have implications for council tax and planning regulations. However, we also offer more modular or mobile units that may not require the same level of permanent groundwork, which can be classified differently depending on local council rules.

The most common three methods are;

• Remortgaging Your Home: Many homeowners choose to remortgage their existing property to release funds for an annex. This can spread the cost over a longer period while benefiting from potentially lower interest rates compared to other loan types.

• Home Improvement Loans: You can explore home improvement loans, which are specifically designed for home additions or renovations, including annexes. These loans often have fixed interest rates and can be easier to obtain than traditional loans.

• Equity Release: If you’re over a certain age (usually 55+), you may be eligible for equity release, allowing you to unlock value from your home without having to sell it. The funds can be used to build a granny annex, and the loan is typically repaid when the home is sold.

Yes, all our granny annexes come with a structural warranty that typically lasts 10 years. We also offer a 2-year standard guarantee, which covers any defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, we offer warranties for key appliances and systems, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical installations. Our team will provide full details of the warranty at the time of purchase.

Yes, we offer a wide range of customisation options to suit your taste and requirements. You can choose from various layouts, finishes, and materials. Whether you want a contemporary/Scandi design or traditional design, we can tailor the annexe to match your existing property or personal style. Optional upgrades include underfloor heating, solar panels, and luxury interior finishes.

We use high-quality, sustainable materials for our granny annexes. The exterior is typically made from durable timber cladding or standing seam aluminium panels for a modern look, designed for low maintenance and weather resistance. Inside, we offer a choice of eco-friendly insulation, engineered wood flooring, and triple glazed, super energy-efficient windows and doors. All materials are selected to create a comfortable, warm environment while minimizing environmental impact. As we follow 'Passivehaus' principles to construct all of our homes, whatever size, it means you're safe in the knowledge that they are built to be very comfortable all-year round, and low cost to run.

Our team handles all aspects of building regulation compliance for you. We ensure your granny annexe meets all the required standards, including structural integrity, insulation, fire safety, and accessibility. We’ll work with local authorities to ensure everything is in line with current regulations and help you navigate the approval process if needed. If you go down the 'mobile home' planning route, this is less onerous and we may not need to consider full building regulations, however, that will not mean there is a compromise on quality, just how we approach planning.

Granny annexes are designed for low maintenance. The exterior cladding typically only requires occasional cleaning or repainting, depending on the material. Internal maintenance is similar to a standard home, including checking the plumbing, electrics, and any heating systems. We offer maintenance packages and advice to ensure your annexe stays in top condition for years to come.

In many cases, adding a granny annex can increase the overall value of your property, as it offers additional living space and flexibility. However, this can vary depending on the location and local property market. We recommend consulting with a property expert to assess how an annexe might affect your home's value.

Our granny annexes come fully equipped with essential utilities, including water, electricity, and heating. Depending on your preferences, we can also include solar panels to your annexe to make it even more energy efficient. As we already provide a heat-pump, MVHR and other green technologies as standard, we've future-proofed your annexe to ensure there's little you need to worry about. We’ll also assist with connecting your annex to the main property’s utilities or installing off-grid solutions if needed - making it a hassle free experience!

Some of our granny annexes are modular or designed for removing it should you move home, making them easier to move than traditional structures. However, annexes with permanent foundations are more difficult to relocate. If you foresee needing a mobile solution, we can recommend models designed for flexibility and ease of relocation.

Our granny annexes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping you reduce both energy bills and environmental impact. High-quality insulation, triple glazing, and energy-efficient heating systems such as air source heat pumps are standard. For those looking to minimize their carbon footprint, we offer solar panel installations and other eco-friendly upgrades to further boost energy efficiency like A-rated appliances.

Yes, a granny annex can potentially be rented out as a separate living space, providing an additional income stream. However, there are legal and tax considerations, including whether the annexe is classified as a separate dwelling for council tax purposes. We recommend consulting with a legal or financial advisor to ensure compliance with local laws.