County Down
Side return extensions in County Down
Infilling the narrow passage beside a Victorian or Edwardian back addition. Across County Down we handle the whole rear extension: survey, drawings, the planning route, building control and the build. Towns we cover here include Bangor, Castlereagh and Newtownards.
Side returns suit the Victorian and Edwardian terraces found across parts of County Down, where the kitchen sits in a narrow back addition. Semis and detached houses are typical of County Down, and many have room for a rear extension within Northern Ireland's permitted development limits.
How much does a side return extension cost in County Down?
A side return extension in County Down is priced at £2,000–£3,310 per square metre including VAT as a guide, before kitchen fit-out and fees. Northern Ireland prices are the lowest in our range.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²) | £24,000–£39,500 |
| 2.5 m wide × 7 m deep (17.5 m²) | £35,000–£58,000 |
Your written price follows a measured survey and an agreed design, so it reflects your house, not an average.
Do you need planning permission in County Down?
Northern Ireland's rules restrict side extensions more than rear ones, so a side infill or wraparound usually needs a planning application to the council as well as building control approval.
There is no Party Wall Act in Northern Ireland; we agree any work affecting a shared wall or boundary directly with the neighbour, in writing.
Conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and listed buildings restrict permitted development in Northern Ireland.
Where in County Down do we work?
FAQ
Questions people ask
How much space does a side return add?
Typically 8 to 18 square metres, enough to turn a galley kitchen into a kitchen-diner with an island.
Can I combine a side return with a rear extension?
Yes; that is a wraparound extension, and it gives the biggest open-plan room a terrace can have.
Glass roof or solid roof with rooflights?
A glass roof gives the most light; a solid roof with long rooflights is warmer and quieter in rain. Both work.
Do you cover all of County Down?
We cover 8 towns and districts in County Down, including Bangor, Castlereagh and Newtownards.
Who builds the extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us; your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.