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Postcode research for UK homes

Free, real-time planning, conservation and flood data for any UK postcode, with 12 popular renovation types and the rules that apply.

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Renovation types

Enter a postcode above to see which renovations are permitted for you.

Extension
Prior approval

Single-storey rear extension

Extend the back of your home to create more kitchen/dining space.

Cost:£27K–£112K
Duration:10–20 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:Needs FRA
Permitted development limits (5)
  • Max 4m depth from rear wall (terraced/semi) — up to 6m via prior approval
  • Max 6m depth (detached) — up to 8m via prior approval
  • Max height 4m (3m within 2m of boundary)
  • No more than half the curtilage covered by buildings
  • Materials to match existing
Extension
Permitted dev.

Single-storey side extension

Infill or wrap-around extension to the side of your home.

Cost:£20K–£80K
Duration:8–16 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (4)
  • Max width = 50% of original dwelling width
  • Max eaves height 3m
  • Single storey only under PD
  • Materials to match existing
Extension
Planning required

Two-storey rear extension

Two-storey rear extension for a bigger kitchen and bedroom.

Cost:£45K–£180K
Duration:14–26 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:Needs FRA
Permitted development limits (4)
  • Max 3m depth from rear wall (under PD)
  • Min 7m from rear boundary
  • Obscure-glaze any side-facing windows above ground floor
  • Roof pitch to match existing
Conversion
Permitted dev.

Loft conversion

Convert the attic into a bedroom, en-suite or office.

Cost:£30K–£90K
Duration:8–14 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (4)
  • Terraced: 40m³ additional roof space; Semi/detached: 50m³
  • No raising of the main ridge line
  • No extension forward of the principal elevation
  • Side windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening (up to 1.7m)
Conversion
Planning required

Basement conversion

Convert or extend a cellar into livable space.

Cost:£90K–£400K
Duration:26–52 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:Needs FRA
Outdoor
Permitted dev.

Garden room / outbuilding

Insulated studio, gym or home office in the garden.

Cost:£10K–£40K
Duration:3–8 wks
Building regs:Exempt
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (5)
  • Single storey only
  • Max eaves 2.5m; max overall 4m (dual-pitched) or 3m (other)
  • Within 2m of boundary: max 2.5m overall
  • Not forward of the principal elevation
  • Max 50% of curtilage covered by outbuildings
Extension
Permitted dev.

Conservatory

Glazed extension to the rear or side of the home.

Cost:£8K–£40K
Duration:3–8 wks
Building regs:Exempt
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (3)
  • Max 4m depth (terraced/semi) or 6m (detached)
  • Max height 4m (3m within 2m of boundary)
  • Materials to match existing
Extension
Permitted dev.

Front porch

Small covered entrance at the front of the home.

Cost:£2K–£8K
Duration:1–3 wks
Building regs:Exempt
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (3)
  • Max 3m² ground area
  • Max height 3m
  • Min 2m from any road or boundary with a road
Interior
Permitted dev.

Kitchen refurbishment

New kitchen — cabinets, worktops, appliances and finishes.

Cost:£8K–£50K
Duration:3–8 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Interior
Permitted dev.

Bathroom refurbishment

New bathroom — sanitaryware, tiling, ventilation, lighting.

Cost:£5K–£25K
Duration:2–5 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Energy
Permitted dev.

Solar PV panels

Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic installation.

Cost:£5K–£12K
Duration:1–2 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (3)
  • Max projection 0.2m from roof slope
  • Not higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding chimney)
  • Sited to minimise visual impact on front of buildings in conservation areas
Energy
Permitted dev.

Air source heat pump

Replace gas boiler with a low-carbon heat pump.

Cost:£8K–£18K
Duration:1–2 wks
Building regs:Required
Flood impact:None
Permitted development limits (4)
  • Max one unit per property
  • Min 1m from boundary (relaxed in 2023)
  • Max volume 0.6m³
  • Noise ≤ 42 dB at neighbouring property
Sources we use
  • postcodes.io (Office for National Statistics) — local planning authority, region and parliamentary constituency.
  • legislation.gov.uk — primary source for the GPDO 2015, Building Regulations 2010, MEES, Gas Safety and EICR Regulations.
  • planningportal.co.uk — plain-language rules for householder projects.
  • Braithgate curated registry — conservation areas, Article 4 directions and flood risk heuristics (expanding daily).

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