The Rise the Annexe

01 August, 2024

The Growing Trend: Why Annexes Are Becoming A Popular Home Addition

Have you ever considered adding an annexe to your property?

If you're a homeowner, annexes will be the best option to expand your living space.

What is an annexe?

Usually referred to as a granny annexe, an annexe is a self-contained or semi self-contained living unit. Usually, it is connected to or designed inside the grounds of a bigger house. These parts of a home are meant to be independent. Therefore, it can offer complete privacy to people in their own living quarters, bathrooms, and kitchens. Originally, the word "granny annexe" came from annexes' main purpose of housing elderly relatives. Still, their use has grown dramatically during the past few years.

The Origins of Annexes

An annexe is not a novel idea. Large estates historically sometimes featured separate housing quarters for extended family or workers. However, in the middle of the 20th century, the contemporary tendency of creating annexes for elderly relatives acquired momentum. Given an ageing population and the rising expense of care homes, families looked for more sensible and affordable options. This brought annexes back into prominence and turned them into a mainstay in many British houses.

Multi-Generational Living

Annexes offer a perfect arrangement for couples wishing to live together with their elder family. They preserve privacy and autonomy. Elderly parents who respect their liberty but require help can also benefit from this arrangement. Younger offspring make use of them with current rents and house prices so high.

Rental Income

Using sites like Airbnb, homeowners may rent out their annexes. It will bring extra money in. This not only helps with mortgage payments but also makes the best use of available space.

Home Offices

Post-pandemic, demand for home office environments has grown as remote work becomes more common. That’s why an annexe will create a peaceful, committed workstation away from the main house. You can carry on your daily study or work without any intervention from others.

Guest Accommodation

Who doesn’t love hosting guests? But living on the same floor can be challenging. In that case, an annexe is a great way to host visitors. Because it gives them their own private area with conveniences. In general, an annexe must contain its own utility connections, bathroom, and kitchen.

Adding Value to Your Property

The possible rise in property value is among the main advantages of building an annexe. Here's how an annexe may improve your house:

●      Properties with annexes appeal more to buyers.

●      An annexe efficiently improves the total living area of your house. It is a major selling feature in the housing market.

●      Renting an annexe helps you make your property more attractive to investors. It helps you seek double-income possibilities.

●      Constructing an annex now helps your property to be future-proof against evolving housing needs.

Statistics and Costs

Building a granny annexe might cost as much as about £100,000. With some estimates putting the value of an annexe between 20 and 30 percent, adding an annexe can greatly raise the value of a house. With detached property in the UK averaging £440,000 in March 2024, adding an annexe becomes a wise investment, according to RSM UK. But it is very much property-dependent so get advice before you start.

Tips Before You Start Building an Annexe

You might be thinking about adding this amazing space to your home. Although it is a great thought, it demands meticulous planning. The first step is to review local planning rules. For that, you may need to acquire planning permission from your local council based on the annexe's size and usage. Also, keep in mind the demands of the future occupants—that of guests, tenants, or elderly parents. The most efficient design should be based on these details.

Conclusion

An annexe has several advantages, whether your goals are to house family members, provide rental revenue, or improve the value of your house. Building of annexes is expected to keep increasing as more households see these benefits.