Forest Hill, Greater London
Semi-detached rear extension in Forest Hill
We plan and build rear extensions for semi-detached houses for homeowners in Forest Hill. Single or two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses, with side access and one party wall. Start with a free site visit, then a written price once the design is agreed.
We cover Forest Hill (SE4, SE6 and SE23) as part of our Greater London work. Where a Forest Hill semi already has a small lean-to at the back, we usually replace it rather than extend it.
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 Forest Hill?
For Forest Hill we work from the London rate: £2,470–£4,030 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. London prices sit at the top of our range because of labour rates, access through the house, parking suspensions and skip licences.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £29,500–£48,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £49,500–£80,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £59,500–£96,500 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission for a semi-detached rear extension in Forest Hill?
Planning for a semi-detached rear extension in Forest Hill follows the English householder rules.
English permitted development (Class A) allows a single-storey rear extension of 3 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 4 metres on a detached one, measured from the original house, with a maximum height of 4 metres and eaves of no more than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary.
England's rules allow a rear extension of more than one storey without an application only when it is no deeper than 3 metres and at least 7 metres from the boundary opposite the rear wall, and never on designated land. Most two-storey schemes need householder planning permission.
If 3 or 4 metres is not enough, England's prior approval route allows 6 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 8 metres on a detached house for a single-storey rear extension. Neighbours are consulted, the council decides within 42 days, and the fee is £249, rising to £310 from 8 December 2026.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always 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 Forest Hill like to extend?
Much of Forest Hill is Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing with narrow back additions, which suits side returns, wraparounds and 3 metre rear extensions. Many streets are in conservation areas, gardens are short, and almost everything comes through the house or along a rear alley.
How a semi-detached rear extension in Forest Hill comes together
Free site visit
We measure the house and garden, look at the back wall, drainage and boundaries, and talk through what you want from the space.
Options and costs
We draw layout options and price each one, so the budget shapes the design rather than surprising you later.
Paperwork handled
Planning, prior approval or permitted development, Building Regulations approval, structural design and party wall notices 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 Forest Hill
From Forest Hill, the nearest places we also cover are Crofton Park (0.5 miles) and Perry Vale (0.7 miles).
- Semi-detached rear extension in Crofton Park
- Semi-detached rear extension in Perry Vale
- Semi-detached rear extension in Catford
- Semi-detached rear extension in Ladywell
- Semi-detached rear extension in Brockley
Other work in Forest Hill:
FAQ
Semi-detached rear extension questions in Forest Hill
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.
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.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
Usually with the attached neighbour, in England and Wales.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England, usually yes if the extension is on or near a shared boundary or the foundations are close to a neighbour's building. We serve the notices.
Will I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually the foundations; we arrange them and their calculations go to building control.
What postcode areas do you cover around Forest Hill?
Including SE4, SE6 and SE23, and the surrounding Greater London area.