Edinburgh, Edinburgh and the Lothians
Semi-detached rear extension in Edinburgh
For homes in Edinburgh, a semi-detached rear extension is often the simplest way to gain space without moving. Single or two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses, with side access and one party wall. We take it from survey to completion certificate.
Edinburgh is covered from our Edinburgh and the Lothians round, including EH5, EH7, EH8 and EH11. Semi-detached houses are common across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and their side access makes rear extensions quicker to build.
Book a free site visit
Tell us about the house and we'll call to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
How much does a semi-detached rear extension cost in Edinburgh?
For Edinburgh we work from the Scotland rate: £1,800–£2,940 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. Prices in Scotland sit a little below our West Midlands baseline; building warrant fees and drawings are budgeted separately.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £21,500–£35,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £36,000–£59,000 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £43,500–£70,500 |
Ground conditions, glazing, the roof and how far the house is opened up move the final figure within the range.
Do you need planning permission for a semi-detached rear extension in Edinburgh?
The planning route for a semi-detached rear extension in Edinburgh is set by Scotland's householder rules and your council.
Scottish householder permitted development (Class 1A) covers many single-storey rear extensions, with a 3 metre eaves limit, a 4 metre height limit and, within 1 metre of a boundary, a depth limit of 3 metres for terraced houses or 4 metres for others. Conservation areas are excluded, and you need a building warrant whatever the planning position.
Scottish Class 1B rights for extensions of more than one storey need a 10 metre gap to every boundary, which few gardens have. Expect a planning application as well as a building warrant for a double-storey rear extension.
Scotland has no larger-extension prior approval route; extensions beyond permitted development need a planning application.
Classes 1A and 1B do not apply in conservation areas, and listed buildings need listed building consent. Before any drawing we look up the property's history with the council, because earlier extensions and removed rights change the answer.
What are homes in Edinburgh like to extend?
Edinburgh has sandstone tenements, terraced houses and villas closer in, with post-war semis and newer estates further out. Tenement and other flats need planning permission for an extension, and every project needs a building warrant before work starts.
How a semi-detached rear extension in Edinburgh comes together
Look round and measure
A free visit to see the back of the house, measure it, check the drains and boundaries and hear what you need.
Design and guide price
Two or three layout options with a guide price for each, so you choose the design knowing what it costs.
Paperwork handled
Planning or permitted development, the building warrant, structural design and neighbour agreements are all handled by us.
Written price, then build
Once the design and approvals are in place, you get a fixed written price and programme, and we build through to sign-off.
Semi-detached rear extensions near Edinburgh
Neighbouring places we cover include Musselburgh (5.7 miles) and Dalkeith (6.4 miles).
- Semi-detached rear extension in Musselburgh
- Semi-detached rear extension in Dalkeith
- Semi-detached rear extension in Bonnyrigg
- Semi-detached rear extension in Mayfield
- Semi-detached rear extension in Penicuik
Other work in Edinburgh:
FAQ
Semi-detached rear extension questions in Edinburgh
Can I live at home while the extension is built?
Usually yes. Most of the work is outside until the back wall is opened near the end, and that stage is screened off.
Is the site visit in Edinburgh free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
Single or two-storey on a semi?
Two-storey if you need bedrooms, single-storey if you need a bigger kitchen. Planning risk is lower for single-storey.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Edinburgh?
Many single-storey rear extensions are permitted development under Class 1A, but not in conservation areas; you always need a building warrant before work starts.
Can I get a price without a visit?
Our online guide-price tool gives a range in a couple of minutes. A written price needs a survey.
What postcode areas do you cover around Edinburgh?
Including EH5, EH7, EH8, EH11, EH15 and EH16, and the surrounding Edinburgh and the Lothians area.