RenovationStartthe renovation reality check

What does a rear extension cost?

As a national mid-range guide: £48,000 to £72,000 for a typical 20 m2 project for a Single storey version, including 20% VAT. Budget finishes start around £40,800 (Single storey), premium runs to £100,800 (Single storey), and London adds a quarter. Set your own size, finish and region below for an instant estimate, no email required.

Rear extension under construction
  • Single storey: £48,000 to £72,000 mid-range
  • Double storey (per m2 of floor area, both floors): £48,000 to £68,000 mid-range
1. What are you planning?
3. Finish level

Rear extension (Single storey), mid-range, Midlands

£48,000 to £72,000

Including 20% VAT. An indication, not a quote: prices vary per trade and property.

Take it further

Prices include 20% VAT. New builds and some energy-saving works can qualify for 0% or reduced VAT; ask your installer.

Got quotes in already? Check if they are fair. Want to know when the money leaves? See the phase-by-phase plan.

Extensions and loft conversions often fall under permitted development. Check before you budget.

What drives the price

  • Size and storeys: per square metre a double storey is slightly cheaper, in total it is not.
  • Glazing: bifolds, sliders and rooflights are beautiful, expensive line items.
  • The knock-through: opening the back wall needs steels and building control.
  • Kitchen inside the extension: most rear extensions are really kitchen projects too.

All figures come from the same validated 2026 price data as the calculator above (sources: Checkatrade, MyJobQuote and comparable national 2026 cost guides, checked August 2026; see how we price), so this page and your estimate can never disagree. Planning this in London? See the London guide, or compare every region in the regional overview. Planning an extension or loft? Check permitted development first.

Frequently asked questions

Does a rear extension need planning permission?

Often not: single-storey rear extensions within 3 m (attached) or 4 m (detached) usually fall under permitted development in England, with a prior approval route up to 6 or 8 m. Our free planning check walks you through it in six questions.

Do these prices include VAT?

Yes, all ranges include 20% VAT. New builds and some energy-saving works can qualify for 0% or reduced VAT; ask your installer whether your project applies.

How much does the region matter?

A lot: London typically runs 20 to 35 percent above the national average (this site plans with +25%, the quarter mentioned above), and the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland sit 10 to 20 percent below. The calculator adjusts for your region automatically, and the regional overview shows every factor.

How accurate is this range?

It is a guide range from national 2026 cost guides, adjusted for finish level and region. Real quotes vary per trade, property and specification; treat it as a starting point, budget 10 to 15 percent contingency, and always get at least three itemised quotes.