As care home costs continue to rise and multigenerational living becomes more common, many UK homeowners are turning to garden annexes as a considerate and prudent way to support loved ones while keeping them nearby.

Whether you’re caring for elderly parents, helping an adult child find independence, or creating a flexible living space, a Homelodge granny annexe can be the perfect solution. Instead of moving to a larger home or investing in a separate property, we design and build high-quality, self-contained garden annexes tailored to your needs. They’re VAT-free, built to full residential standards, and offer real long-term value.

The best part? Most Homelodge annexes do not require planning permission. We handle the entire process, from the initial site survey to the final touches, all at a fixed price. You can focus on your family while we take care of the details.

 

What Is a Granny Annexe?

A granny annexe is a self-contained living unit built within the garden of a main home. Traditionally designed for elderly relatives who want to stay close while maintaining independence, these days, they’re also a practical solution for young adults, returning university students, or family members who need additional supported living.

At Homelodge, our garden annexes are fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, utility space, and living areas. Every detail is designed to provide independent living while keeping loved ones close.

We offer full customisation. Whether you need accessible bathrooms, wide doorways, or adapted kitchen fittings, we’ll tailor the annexe to suit whoever will be living there.

 

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Granny Annexe?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is reassuring.

Because our garden annexes are built to comply with the Mobile Homes Act and the BS3632:2023 standard, they typically do not require planning permission as long as:

  • The annexe is located within the garden (the “curtilage”) of the main home.
  • It’s used by a family member, dependent relative, carer, or employee of the household.

Planning rules can be tricky, and even architects or planning officers may not be aware of this legal route. That’s where we come in. We’ve specialised in garden annexes since 1986 and have a 100% success rate in securing approvals.

For added peace of mind, we always apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development with your local council as part of our service. This confirms in writing that your Homelodge granny annexe meets planning regulations.

 

Overcoming Site Challenges

We’ve been designing and installing garden annexes since 1986 and have experience handling even the most challenging locations. During your free site survey, our team will guide you through solutions that work for your property. Common concerns include:

 

1. Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, AONBs, or National Parks

Yes, you can still have an annexe. The Mobile Homes Act applies across the UK. We’ve had consistent success installing annexes in all types of planning-restricted areas.

See our blog on granny annexes in protected areas.

 

2. Limited Access to the Garden

Even if your garden is difficult to reach, we can help. Usually, a side alley to the garden is all we need for access. But if space is tight, we can use a neighbour’s garden or even crane the annexe into place.

Watch this annexe installation with a crane.

 

3. Sloping Gardens

There are two main options for sloping sites:
• Cut into the slope and build a retaining wall.
• Raise the annexe using padstone foundations and finish with a deck for level access and scenic views.

 

4. Exposed or Coastal Locations

For properties in windy or coastal areas, we work with structural engineers to specify materials and design features that withstand harsh weather.

See this coastal granny annexe in Land’s End.

 

5. Difficult Ground Conditions

We have several foundation options beyond our standard padstones:

  • Screw piles: Ideal for clay soils, trees with TPOs, or limited access sites.
    Watch this two-bedroom city centre annexe install.
  • Flood-prone areas: We can elevate your annexe above flood levels.
    See Jean Palmer’s flood-ready annexe.
  • Building over services: Our designs allow you to build over drains or mains with the correct permissions. We handle negotiations with your utility provider.
  • Power lines: We follow official safety guidelines and manage approvals to build near and under mains power lines.

 

6. Utility Connections

We handle all utility connections as part of your annexe installation:

  • Drainage: Gravity-fed or pumped systems available.
  • Electricity: We check your supply and liaise with your provider if an upgrade is needed.
  • Water: Pressure tests and boosting solutions available.
  • TV, phone, internet: We future proof with a duct system running from the main house.

 

7. Landscaping

We offer full landscaping options to ensure your garden annexe fits beautifully into its surroundings. Level access, paths, and planting can all be included and costed upfront.

 

Granny Annexe Designs and Customisation

No two gardens or families are the same, which is why every Homelodge annexe is designed around you. From layouts and materials to accessibility features, you’ll have full control over the final design.

Here’s a quick look at our three main ranges:

 

Premier Range

  • Width: 6m
  • Length: Up to 18m
  • Up to four bedrooms
  • Vaulted ceilings and open-plan layouts

View Premier annexe plans and costs.

 

Heritage Range

  • Width: 3.6m
  • Length: Up to 18m
  • Exposed trusses and a pitched hip roof

View Heritage annexe plans and costs.

 

L-Shape Range

  • Ideal for smaller or awkward spaces
  • Creates a courtyard-style layout
  • Fully fitted kitchens, bathrooms, and more

View L-Shape annexe plans and costs.

 

Every Homelodge annexe meets or exceeds the standards of BS3632:2023, providing outstanding thermal insulation to keep you comfortable all year round.

 

Why Choose Homelodge?

We’ve installed more than 2,000 garden annexes across the UK since 1986. Our customers often come back to us for second builds or refer us to friends and family.

Here’s what one customer had to say:

“Homelodge made the process of planning, designing, and building my new home seamless and totally stress-free. They handled everything, and I was able to choose everything myself. My parents and I now enjoy independent but close living. The team were professional and very helpful throughout.”
— Lisa Bones, Homelodge customer

 

Watch more customer testimonials.

 

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about adding a granny annexe to your garden, we’re here to help. Homelodge offers free site surveys, expert advice, and clear pricing with no pressure.

Get in touch with our team to explore what’s possible. A Homelodge garden annexe could be the perfect way to create a safe, independent living space for a loved one—right outside your door.