Two-storey extensions for detached houses in Holloway

Useful details for planning a two-storey extension for a detached house in Holloway.

Postcode districts: N7
County / area: Greater London, England
Price region: London
Guide price: £103,500–£138,500 (£2,460–£3,300 per m²)
Approval route: Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission.
Nearest towns: Barnsbury (0.9 miles), Highbury (1.1 miles), Archway (1.1 miles)
First visit: Free, no obligation

About a two-storey extension for a detached house

A two-storey extension for a detached house is a two-floor addition to the side, rear or both of a house that stands on its own plot. Detached houses often have room on more than one side, so there is more choice of layout and fewer shared-wall issues. The design still needs to respect boundaries, neighbours' windows and the look of the house.

We cover Holloway (N7) and the places around it, including Barnsbury (0.9 miles), Highbury (1.1 miles) and Archway.

What it costs in Holloway

A guide price for Holloway: around £103,500–£138,500 for a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space). That works out at £2,460–£3,300 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Professional fees for drawings and the structural engineer are listed separately on our prices page.

Spec	Per m²	A 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space)
Essential	£2,260–£3,040 per m²	£95,000–£127,500
Standard	£2,460–£3,300 per m²	£103,500–£138,500
Premium	£2,950–£3,960 per m²	£124,000–£166,500

Planning and building regulations in Holloway

In England, a two-storey rear extension on a detached house can be permitted development within 3 m of the original rear wall and at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching roof pitch and materials, outside protected areas. Any two-storey side or wraparound extension needs planning permission, costing £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026), with a decision due within 8 weeks of validation.

Approval in England: Householder planning application: £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Lawful development certificate: £274 (about £288 for applications from 8 December 2026). Councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end.

Design points for Holloway homes

Larger spans and steelwork

Bigger extensions often mean wider openings and longer spans, which need more steel and sometimes a steel frame. The engineer designs these early, because the size of the steel affects ceiling heights, floor depths and the cost.

Choosing the best side

On a detached house you can often extend on either side or the rear. We look at orientation for daylight, where the stairs and landing are, the distance to each boundary, drains and trees, so the extension goes where it adds the most useful space.

How we'd run your project

Start at your house
We come to your home in Holloway, measure up, check the ground floor walls and roof structure, and note anything near the boundaries.
Get it approved
Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Holloway and deal with any questions from the planning officer.
Technical design
We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.
Finish and certify
Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.

Questions about two-storey extensions for detached houses in Holloway

Which postcodes do you cover around Holloway?

We cover Holloway (N7) and nearby places including Barnsbury, Highbury and Archway, plus the rest of Greater London. The first site visit is free.

Do I need planning permission for a two-storey extension for a detached house in Holloway?

Holloway is in England, so England planning rules apply. Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

How long does a two-storey extension for a detached house take?

Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation), then 4 to 8 weeks of technical design, which can overlap. The build itself usually takes 14 to 20 weeks, longer for large or complex designs.

Can I extend a detached house on both sides?

Sometimes. With planning permission, a council may accept extensions on both sides if the house stays well proportioned and keeps gaps to the boundaries. It is more common to extend on one side and the rear, or with a wraparound. We look at the plot as a whole before suggesting more than one extension.

How big an extension can a detached house take?

It depends on the plot, the boundaries and local design policy rather than a fixed limit. Under permitted development in England, extensions must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house. With planning permission, the council judges size on proportion, neighbours and the character of the area.

Nearby

The same service in neighbouring towns:

Other extensions in Holloway

All two-storey extension services in Holloway · Two-storey extensions for detached houses across Greater London

Tell us about your house in Holloway and we'll call you back to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.