Garden homes: a home in your back garden
The short answer
Since 27 July 2026 you can build a detached home of 32 to 45 m² in your back garden without planning permission, under the new Class 3A exemption. It has to be built as a home to the Building Regulations, connected to the main house's services, notified to your council before work starts, and finished by the end of 2030. It can be a home for family or rented out, but it can't be sold on its own.
Garden homes and annexes
- Garden annexes and granny flatsDetached garden homes, attached family flats and bigger options.
- How to build a garden homeNotices, certifiers and the completion certificate, step by step.
- Modular homes and granny podsWhat to check before you pay a deposit on a factory-built home.
- A garden home for your parentsStep-free access, layout and staying connected to the house.
- Layouts, 32 to 45 m²Floor plans drawn to scale: studios, one-beds and a compact two-bed.
- Garden home, extension or garden room?Which suits your family, your garden and your budget.
Planning and money
- What a garden home costsModular, turnkey and builder-built prices, plus the extras.
- Notifying your councilThe form you send before work starts, and when.
- Renting out a garden homeLicences, rent a room relief and what isn't allowed.
- Property tax, insurance and mortgagesLocal Property Tax, your insurer and your lender.
- GrantsThe Housing Adaptation Grant and what won't pay for it.
- Garden home checkerGo through every Class 3A condition for your house.Free tool
Garden home or garden room?
| Garden room | Garden home (Class 3A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size without planning | Up to 30 m² | 32 to 45 m² |
| Can someone live in it? | No | Yes |
| Building Regulations | Electrics | In full, as a home |
| Notify the council | No | Yes, before work starts |
| Typical cost | €10,000 to €60,000 | From about €50,000 for a modular home |
Not sure which you need? See garden home, extension or garden room.
Common questions
What is a garden home?
A detached home of 32 to 45 m² in the back garden of a house, allowed without planning permission since 27 July 2026 under Class 3A, if it meets every condition. It is built to the Building Regulations as a home and shares the main house's services.
Can I rent out a garden home?
Yes, but not for short-term lets, and it can't be sold separately from the main house.
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