The rise and rise of the granny annexe

One of the legacies of the pandemic is increased demand for ancillary, multi-functional accommodation, otherwise known as the granny annexe. Buyers often have a lengthy wish list when it comes to their property search and some square footage in addition to the main house – whether that be attached or separate, an annexe, garden room, den or party barn – is a popular request.

Annexes are super adaptable for all manner of functions. They came into their own during the pandemic when we were forced to stay at home so much, enabling extended families to live together but separately. Elderly relatives can live close at hand while still maintaining some independence, with their own front door, kitchen, and other facilities. Alternatively, if you have staff – a nanny or gardener, for example – the annexe can provide separate living accommodation and privacy away from the family.

Growing families, particularly with adult children who are having to live at home for longer as a result of higher property prices, will thank you for having their ‘own’ space, while you may also be glad of it yourself. My own daughter, who will soon be a teenager, has had a taste of independence at boarding school and enjoys her own space at home. She may not want to be in the house when she sees her friends, and I might prefer it if she isn’t either, but I would rather her friends come here than she goes somewhere else. There is a lot to be said for having a separate den which is out of the way; having the ‘party house’ where there is a fun, safe place for the children to hang out away from the grown-ups as they get older.

When guests come to stay, they can have their own space (and so can you) while those who work from home at least some of the time may wish to use the annexe as an office, maintaining a slight separation from home. If you just need extra storage – and who hasn’t got a lot of extra stuff? – the annexe is perfect for stashing things out of sight. Alternatively, a growing number of people are charging their electric car in their Sussex barn. Others are renting them out as Airbnbs to generate a bit of extra cash.

If you have found a property you wish to buy with an annexe already in situ, it’s important to ensure it has the correct planning permission and has been finished to a high standard. It may sound obvious, but it needs to be usable – rickety stairs on the side of the house won’t be any good for the elderly, for example. Once you’ve bought the property, make sure your insurance policy covers the reinstatement of the outbuilding and its contents as well. There can be tax breaks from buying an annexe with a kitchen and bathroom via multiple dwellings relief, although it’s worth seeking tax advice before making a purchase.

If a property doesn’t come with an annexe, we are finding that many clients are building their own. A whole industry has sprung up, dedicated to building garden offices and the like but make sure you can get planning permission, if needed, because local authorities can be quite strict as to what you can put up. Such dwellings are not cheap, so it is worth getting a few quotes and budgeting accordingly. Ensure you opt for a quality design so that it adds value and is not just a glorified garage.

Finally, if you are adding ancillary accommodation, consider how it will impact the main house. While extra space is useful, it’s important not to detract from the main accommodation; it should be secondary to the main dwelling.