The right layout for a multigenerational garden annex depends entirely on who’s going to live in it. An annex built for an elderly parent and one built for an adult child are built around genuinely different lives, even though the construction process behind them is largely the same. Getting the layout right means designing around that person’s specific needs, not a generic annex template.

A garden annex supports independent living by giving an elderly relative a genuine home of their own, complete with its own front door, kitchen and bathroom, while keeping them a short walk from family rather than a phone call or a drive away. It isn’t supervised care and it isn’t a spare room. It’s a self-contained life, with support close by if and when it’s wanted rather than built in as a constant.

A garden annex can be a good option for an elderly parent who wants to keep some independence while living close to family, particularly where round-the-clock medical care isn’t needed. It gives a parent their own front door, their own space and their own routine, while putting them a short walk from the people who love them rather than a drive away. Whether it’s the right choice depends on the level of support your parent needs now, and how easily the design can adapt as that changes.

Whether a garden annex or a care home is the right choice depends on the level of care a relative needs, not just the cost. Financially, an annex is typically a one-time investment from £60,000 inc VAT, compared with ongoing care home fees of £45,000-£80,000 or more per year. For families where a relative has a degree of independence and wants to stay close to home, an annex can offer genuine value, both financially and in day-to-day family life. Where full-time professional medical care is needed, a care home remains the right setting. This guide looks at both sides honestly, so you can weigh up what matters most for your own family.

A garden annex from us includes ground screw foundations, a full kitchen and bathroom fitted as standard, and a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Annexes start from £60,000 inc VAT, and every project is bespoke, designed around the individual plot, family and intended use, but these core elements are included from the outset rather than offered as upgrades.

The cost of a garden annex in Sussex typically starts from £60,000 inc VAT, rising past £110,000 depending on size, specification and site conditions. The final figure depends on factors including the size of the annex, the internal specification, and what a particular garden needs in terms of groundworks and access. We provide a confirmed, itemised quote following a site visit, so homeowners know exactly what they are paying for before making any commitment.

We design wheelchair accessible garden annexes from the outset, with 850mm doors, wet rooms and step-free access as standard. Here’s how we approach accessible design across Sussex and the South East.

Wondering how electricity, water and drainage connect to a garden annex? We manage all utility connections as part of the build – no separate accounts, no extra contractors, no surprises.

What Groundworks and Foundations Are Involved in Building a Garden Annex? What groundworks are needed for a garden annex? Foundations, drainage connections and utility service

A Certificate of Lawful Development is formal written confirmation from your council that your garden annex is lawful. Here is why Sussex Garden Rooms applies for one as standard on every eligible project.

Worried your garden might not work for an annex? Here is what councils in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire actually look at, and why most plots are more suitable than homeowners assume.

Thinking about a garden annex in Sussex, Surrey, Kent or Hampshire? Here is what you need to know about planning permission and how Sussex Garden Rooms manages the process end to end.