​House Extensions in Greater London: Ideas, Costs & Planning Advice

If you're running out of space but love where you live, a well-designed house extension can be the perfect solution. Whether you want a larger kitchen, a family room, or simply more room to breathe, a house extension can completely transform your living space and boost your property's value.

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At Draw Plans, we are expert architectural designers based in Greater London, creating bespoke house extensions plans from just £795 + VAT. We work with homeowners across the city to bring their vision to life with beautiful, practical layouts that maximise space and light.

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In this guide, we’ll explore the best house extension ideas, what you can expect in terms of house extension costs, and how to create the ideal layout for your project.

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House Extension Ideas to Transform Your Home

Choosing the right house extension ideas depends on your lifestyle, home layout, and personal goals. Here are some of the most effective and popular options in Greater London:

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1. Rear House Extensions

Perfect for expanding kitchens, dining areas, or living rooms, rear extensions make excellent use of your garden space. Open-plan kitchen-diners with large glass doors are especially popular — they bring in light and offer seamless access to outdoor areas.

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2. Side Return Extensions

Many Victorian and Edwardian homes in London have unused alleyways beside the kitchen. A side return extension fills this space to widen the ground floor and create a more spacious kitchen or dining area without losing much garden space.

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3. Wraparound Extensions

Combining a rear and side return, wraparound extensions offer the best of both worlds. These designs allow for dramatic open-plan layouts, perfect for families and entertainers who want a multi-functional, light-filled space.

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4. Orangery or Sunroom Extensions

If you’re looking for a stylish and elegant addition, an orangery or sunroom extension with roof lanterns and floor-to-ceiling windows can create a bright, luxurious living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests.

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5. Open-Plan Living Extensions

Modern families love the flexibility of open-plan living. By extending your home to remove barriers between the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, you create a sociable, adaptable layout that suits day-to-day life and special occasions.

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House Extension Costs: What to Expect

Understanding house extension costs upfront will help you plan your budget realistically. In Greater London, construction costs tend to be higher than other parts of the UK due to labour and materials — but smart planning can keep costs manageable.

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Here's a general guide to extension costs:

Extension TypeEstimated Cost (Inc. VAT)

Side Return Extension£50,000 – £90,000

Rear Single-Storey£60,000 – £100,000

Wraparound Extension£80,000 – £140,000+

Orangery / Sunroom£30,000 – £60,000

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Planning and design costs are separate from construction. At Draw Plans, we offer fixed-price architectural drawings from just £795 + VAT, helping you start your project with clarity and confidence.

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House Extensions Plans: How to Get the Best Layout

Creating the right layout is essential to getting the most from your extension. A great design is more than just square footage — it’s about how the space works for your life. 

Here are some expert tips for planning successful house extensions plans:

Start with Your Lifestyle

Think about how you use your home. Do you entertain often? Need space for children to play? Want a kitchen that flows into a garden? Let your lifestyle guide the design.

Let in the Light

Natural light makes spaces feel bigger and more welcoming. Include features like skylights, bifold doors, or large picture windows in your design to make the extension feel open and airy.

Avoid Dead Space

Smart layout planning avoids narrow corridors and awkward corners. Zones should flow naturally from one to another — for example, a kitchen that opens into a dining and lounge area without unnecessary walls or wasted space.

Storage Matters

Integrated storage is often overlooked. Plan for built-in cupboards, under-bench units, or pantry areas to keep the space tidy and functional.

Future-Proof Your Design

Think ahead. Will your family grow? Will your work-from-home needs change? Design a space that can adapt with you — for example, a dining area that can double as a study zone.

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Why Work With Draw Plans?

At Draw Plans, we specialise in designing house extensions plans that are practical, stylish, and tailored to each client. Our experienced architectural designers guide you through every step — from concept sketches to planning permission and building control.

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Here’s what you get with us:

✅ Fixed-price design plans from £795 + VAT
✅ Local expertise in Greater London
✅ Fast turnaround and clear communication
✅ Fully compliant with UK planning regulations
✅ Options for 3D visualisations and planning support

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Ready to Extend Your Home?

Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious open-plan kitchen, a light-filled family room, or a multi-use living space, Draw Plans is here to help you design a home that works for you.

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Contact us today for a free consultation or get started online. With our expert help, your perfect house extension is just a plan away.

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What Our Clients Say

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"Seamless process from design to approval."
"We wanted to add a rear extension but had no clue where to start. Draw Plans were amazing — they listened to our needs, created fantastic plans, and helped with the entire planning process. We now have a bright, open-plan living space our family loves."
— Andrew & Lisa, Bromley

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We saved time, stress, and money."
"Draw Plans provided professional architectural drawings for our side extension at a fraction of the cost of others. Their team was responsive and supportive every step of the way. We’re so pleased with how the space turned out."
— Daniel, Harrow

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"Highly recommend Draw Plans for any home extension project."
"We used Draw Plans for a wraparound extension in North London. Their attention to detail and knowledge of local planning requirements really set them apart. The plans were approved without a hitch and the final result is beautiful."
— Samantha & Joe, Enfield

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Our house feels brand new."
"We extended our kitchen and added a utility room with Draw Plans’ help. The design made brilliant use of the space, and the team were incredibly easy to work with. Couldn’t be happier!"
— Michelle, Kingstonse.