Side return space
The side section uses the narrow strip beside the existing kitchen or rear projection, turning underused space into useful interior floor area.
London side and rear extension specialists
Side and Rear Extensions London
Transform your London home with a spacious L-shaped side and rear extension designed for open-plan living, natural light, better flow and long-term property value.
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L-Shapedopen-plan layouts
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Bespoke side & rear extensions
Design your perfect side and rear extension in London
A side-and-rear extension combines a side return with a rear extension to maximise your living space without moving home.
Whether you need a bigger kitchen, family room, dining space or home office, our expert London extension builders can transform your property. We handle everything end-to-end, from initial design and planning permissions through to construction and finishing touches.
A side and rear extension, sometimes called an L-shaped or wraparound extension, is ideal for London homes because it uses both the side return and rear garden area to create a large, practical and light-filled ground-floor layout.
- Side return plus rear extension combined into one layout
- Open-plan kitchen, dining and family living spaces
- Design, planning, Building Regulations and construction support
- Dedicated project management and fixed quote clarity
What it means
What is a side and rear extension?
A side and rear extension extends your home along its side and rear to create a larger L-shaped footprint. It is commonly used for London terraced and semi-detached houses where the side return and rear garden can be used together.
Rear extension depth
The rear section extends into the garden to add depth, helping create a larger kitchen, family area or dining space.
L-shaped layout
The combination creates an L-shaped footprint that gives a much bigger and more flexible ground-floor layout.
Open-plan living
The result is often a large kitchen-dining-living area with rooflights, glass doors and better connection to the garden.
Benefits
Benefits of side and rear extensions
A side and rear extension is one of the most effective ways to add space, light and value to a London home without the cost and disruption of moving.
Significantly more space
A side extension adds width and a rear extension adds depth, giving you a much larger area for a kitchen, family room or dining space.
Natural light and flow
Skylights, roof lanterns and bi-fold or sliding doors help natural light pour in and create a bright, airy atmosphere.
Added property value
A well-designed extension can improve your home’s market appeal by creating the type of open-plan layout London buyers want.
Bespoke design
You can customise the roof type, glazing, finishes, internal layout and kitchen arrangement around your lifestyle.
Design & planning
Our side and rear extension services
We offer a full-service design & build package for your London extension. Our team can coordinate architects, surveyors, project managers, structural engineers and skilled builders who specialise in side and rear house extensions.
We begin with an on-site consultation to understand your goals, then produce bespoke plans to visualise your new extension. We also handle planning applications, permitted development checks, Party Wall matters and Building Regulations compliance.
- Architectural design and layout planning
- Planning permission and permitted development advice
- Party Wall and Building Regulations support
- Structural calculations and construction drawings
Planning & regulations
Planning permission for side and rear extensions in London
Single-storey extensions can sometimes qualify as Permitted Development, but a combined side and rear extension often needs detailed checking because it may exceed limits on width, depth, height, position or impact on neighbouring properties.
We advise whether your project can proceed under Permitted Development, needs prior approval or requires a full planning application. We also coordinate Building Regulations, structural calculations and Party Wall requirements so the project is safe, compliant and buildable.
- Permitted development and planning route assessment
- Planning drawings and council submissions
- Party Wall guidance for neighbouring properties
- Building Control and structural engineering support
Our process
From survey to completion
We follow a clear step-by-step process so your side and rear extension stays organised from the first conversation through to final handover.
Free site survey
We visit your property, discuss your goals, review access and assess your side return and rear garden potential.
Design & quote
We create a practical design direction and provide a clear cost structure based on your preferred layout, finish and specification.
Planning approval
We manage planning permission, permitted development advice, Building Regulations and Party Wall requirements where needed.
Construction
Our team manages foundations, structural openings, steelwork, brickwork, roofing, glazing, services and internal finishes.
Final inspection
We complete snagging, final checks, documentation and handover so your new extension is ready to enjoy.
Why choose us?
Expert side & rear extension contractors in London
With years of experience in London home extensions, we provide a complete design, planning and build service focused on quality, communication and long-term value.
Local expertise
We understand London boroughs, terraced homes, tight access, Party Wall matters and planning expectations.
Quality assurance
We build with durable materials, strong structural design and careful finishing for long-lasting results.
Transparent pricing
You receive a clear, itemised quote before work begins, helping avoid hidden surprises.
Dedicated project manager
One point of contact keeps your build coordinated and communication simple.
Design & build route
We keep design, planning and construction joined up, reducing stress and improving control.
Aftercare support
We support you through completion, snagging and any required final documentation.
Cost guidance
Side and rear extension cost in London
Costs depend on size, structure, access, specification and finishes. A medium-sized single-storey side and rear kitchen extension in London is often around £80,000–£100,000, depending on the level of finish and complexity.
We provide fixed-sum quotations after the design phase, so you know the full cost upfront. Your quote can include foundations, steelwork, glazing, roofing, kitchen fit-out, finishes, professional fees and project management.
- Clear quotation after survey and design review
- Transparent cost breakdown for structure and finishes
- Advice on where to save and where to invest
- No hidden extras within the agreed scope
Related services
Everything your side and rear extension needs
A side and rear extension is a major project. We connect the design, planning, structural, construction and management stages so the process feels controlled.
Design & build
Our integrated design & build approach means your extension is planned from concept to completion.
View Design & BuildPlanning permission
We take care of planning permission applications, permitted development advice and council communication.
View Planning HubProject management
Our dedicated project manager oversees build stages, trades, timing and communication.
View Project ManagementQuestions homeowners ask
Side and rear extensions London FAQs
What is a side and rear extension?
It is an L-shaped addition that extends your home to the side and rear, creating a larger open-plan kitchen, dining or family area. It is often used on London terraced and semi-detached homes.
How long does a side and rear extension take?
It varies by size and permissions. Typically, a single-storey side and rear extension in London takes around 3–6 months from start to finish depending on design complexity and approval time.
How much does a side and rear extension cost?
Costs depend on scope and finishes. A medium-sized side and rear kitchen extension in London is often around £80,000–£100,000, but we provide a detailed quote after survey and design review.
Does adding a side and rear extension increase property value?
Yes. A well-designed side and rear extension can add valuable living space and improve resale appeal by creating a larger, brighter and more modern ground-floor layout.
Do I need planning permission in London?
Sometimes. Single-storey extensions can fall under Permitted Development, but combining side and rear elements often needs careful assessment and may require planning permission. We advise and manage the process.
What is the difference between side-return and side and rear extension?
A side-return extension uses the narrow side passage only. A side and rear extension combines the side-return area with a rear extension, creating a larger L-shaped layout.
Start your side and rear extension
Request a free side and rear extension quote
Tell us about your property, your side return, rear garden and the space you want to create. We will advise on design options, planning route, likely build stages and next steps.
- Free no-obligation first conversation
- Advice on design, planning and build feasibility
- Support with quotations, regulations and project management
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Complete the form and our team will contact you to discuss your side and rear extension.
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Speak with our London team about your side and rear extension, from early design and planning through to construction and handover.