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In simple terms, a granny annexe is a secondary building, typically built in the garden, that is designed to accommodate an elderly family member, hence the name. The most common type of Granny Annexe is an extension that is attached to the main house and has its own kitchen and bathroom. However, in recent years, the usage of these buildings has expanded to include young adults as well, particularly those struggling to get on the property ladder. They can even be rented to generate more income
Planning permission requirements for a granny annexe will depend on several factors, such as whether it is classified as a mobile home, and will vary from council to council. It's always best to hire a planning expert or choose a garden annexe specialist that offers a planning service.
The size of the annexe will also be a consideration, and generally, the annexe's footprint cannot exceed that of the main house. The cost of building a granny annexe will depend on various factors, but it can range from £30k to £100k in the UK.
Council tax for a granny annexe usually falls into one of two categories: reduced to 50% or exempt altogether, depending on whether a family member is living in the annexe and whether they are deemed to be dependent or not.
More about Granny Annexes
There are three main types of Granny Annexe. The traditional Granny Annexe is a self-contained living area within a sectioned-off part of the main house. The granny flat is a self-contained flat on one floor of a building, commonly found in urban areas.
The advantages of a Granny Annexe include spending more time with elderly relatives, making it easier to provide care and support, and potentially reducing the need for professional carers. It can also offer greater independence than a care home and be more financially sensible for those with savings. However, there are downsides to consider, including reduced independence for the elderly relative, potential boundaries and tensions from living nearby, and tricky money conversations about utility bills and compensation for care responsibilities.
Things to consider
When considering building or buying a Granny Annexe, there are several factors to consider. These include the care requirements of the elderly family member, their mobility needs, whether you plan on moving in the future, and how you will fund the improvements. It's also important to consider whether the elderly family member will be happy living in such close proximity and how responsibilities will be shared among siblings.
If you have a small garden, converting existing rooms or extending the footprint of your house may be the best option. If you know you will need to move in the future, a pre-built mobile home style annexe may be a good choice.
Build your own Granny Annexe
Building your own extension can be a great option if you want to customise your design or keep the annexe attached to the main residence. Options for building your own Granny Annexe include converting existing rooms, adding an extension to your house, or building a detached annexe.
Convert existing rooms
If you have enough space in your house, you can convert 2-3 existing rooms by blocking them off to create separate access. This removes the need to extend the building's overall footprint. This approach can avoid most of the planning permission requirements that come with a house extension.
Build a detached annexe
If you require more space for your additional family, a detached annexe could be a suitable choice. It's crucial to consider how many rooms you might need in the future as your requirements might change over the years.
Building your own Granny Annexe is a process that can take anywhere from 3-12 weeks and will need to be inspected to ensure it meets building regulations.
Buying a Pre-Built Granny Annexe
If building a granny annexe from scratch seems like too much of a hassle, there are many pre-built options available on the market. Some companies even specialize in granny annexes, offering a range of designs and features to choose from.
Buying a House with an Annexe Already Built
If you're looking to move house, buying a property with a pre-built annexe might be a convenient option. However, finding such properties can be challenging.
Planning Permission
Regardless of whether you choose to build or buy a pre-built granny annexe, planning permission is required. The annexe must be ancillary or subsidiary to the main house and not intended for use as a separate dwelling. The size of the annexe in relation to your house and garden is also a key consideration.
FAQs
Other common questions regarding granny annexes include:
How long does it take to get planning permission for an annexe?
The local authority typically takes 8 to 13 weeks to reach a decision on your planning application.
How much value does a granny annexe add?
To the right buyer, a granny annexe can add significant value to a property, particularly if it's physically separate and can be used as a holiday let.
Do I have to pay council tax on a granny annexe?
Yes, your annexe is subject to council tax, but most councils offer a 50% discount on the second bill if a relative is living there.
