Kent
Rear extensions for semi-detached houses in Kent
Single or two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses, with side access and one party wall. Across Kent we handle the whole rear extension: survey, drawings, the planning route, building control and the build. Towns we cover here include Maidstone, Gillingham and Chatham.
In Maidstone we measure the attached neighbour's extension at the survey, because it often sets the sensible depth for yours. Kent has a mix of Victorian terraces near the centre and larger Edwardian and inter-war houses further out. Clay soils across much of the South East mean deeper foundations near trees, which we plan for at the survey.
How much does a semi-detached rear extension cost in Kent?
For Kent we work from the South East England rate: £2,130–£3,470 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. South East prices run above our West Midlands baseline, mainly on labour rates and clay-soil foundations.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £25,500–£41,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £42,500–£69,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £51,000–£83,500 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission in Kent?
Under England's householder permitted development rules you can usually add 3 metres at the back of an attached house, or 4 metres on a detached house, without a planning application, as long as the extension stays under 4 metres high and its eaves stay under 3 metres where it is within 2 metres of a boundary.
A two-storey rear extension can be permitted development in England only if it projects no more than 3 metres, stays at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, matches the existing roof pitch and has obscure-glazed upper side windows. In practice most double-storey rear extensions go through a householder planning application.
England also has the larger home extension route: a single-storey rear extension of up to 6 metres on an attached house or 8 metres on a detached house, after prior approval from the council. The council notifies your neighbours and has 42 days to decide; the fee is £249 (£310 for applications made from 8 December 2026). The route is not available on designated land such as conservation areas.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent.
Where in Kent do we work?
FAQ
Questions people ask
How far can I extend a semi without planning?
3 metres under permitted development in England, or up to 6 metres with prior approval, outside designated land.
Can I match pebbledash or render?
Yes. Many semis are refinished with new render across the whole back elevation so old and new match.
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 you cover all of Kent?
We cover 31 towns and districts in Kent, including Maidstone, Gillingham and Chatham.
Who builds the extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us; your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.