Part single, part two-storey extensions in Swansea

Before you start in Swansea, here's what applies.

Postcode districts: SA1, SA2, SA3 and SA5
County / area: Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, Wales
Price region: Wales
Guide price: £66,000–£91,000 (£1,840–£2,530 per m²)
Approval route: It may be permitted development if the ground floor goes no more than 4 m and the first floor no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor 10.5 m from the rear boundary.
Nearest towns: Clydach (4.7 miles), Briton Ferry (5.4 miles), Gorseinon (5.4 miles)
First visit: Free, no obligation

About a part single, part two-storey extension

A part single, part two-storey extension is an extension where the ground floor is wider or deeper than the floor above, so only part of it rises to two storeys. It usually gives a large kitchen or living area with roof lights below and one bedroom or bathroom above. It is often a good way to add space while limiting the effect on neighbours.

We cover Swansea (SA1, SA2, SA3 and SA5) and the places around it, including Clydach (4.7 miles), Briton Ferry (5.4 miles) and Gorseinon.

What it costs in Swansea

For budgeting in Swansea, allow around £66,000–£91,000 for a part single, part two-storey extension with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That's based on £1,840–£2,530 per m² including VAT for Wales. Professional fees for drawings and the structural engineer are listed separately on our prices page.

Spec	Per m²	A 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total)
Essential	£1,690–£2,330 per m²	£61,000–£84,000
Standard	£1,840–£2,530 per m²	£66,000–£91,000
Premium	£2,210–£3,040 per m²	£79,500–£109,500

Planning and building regulations in Swansea

In Wales, a part two-storey rear extension can be permitted development if the first floor goes no more than 3 m and the ground floor no more than 4 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor at least 10.5 m from the rear boundary. Conservation areas and other protected areas are excluded. If the design falls outside these limits, a householder application costs £585.

Approval in Wales: Householder planning application: £585. Councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places (notably energy efficiency).

Design points for Swansea homes

Structure at the step

The first-floor wall above often sits over the new open-plan space, so it needs a steel beam or frame to carry it. Loads come down at different points than in a full two-storey design, and the engineer sizes the foundations to suit each part.

Where to put the two-storey part

The two-storey section usually works best away from the closest neighbour, with the single-storey part on that boundary side. We test a few positions against neighbours' windows, the upstairs layout and the roof shape before choosing the one to take forward.

How we'd run your project

Look at the house
We start in Swansea with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.
Design and approvals
We draw the extension and check it against the rules for Wales, then apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, whichever fits.
Price it properly
Once the engineer's calculations are in, we fix the build price in writing, with a clear list of what's included.
On site
One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Swansea

Which postcodes do you cover around Swansea?

We cover Swansea (SA1, SA2, SA3 and SA5) and nearby places including Clydach, Briton Ferry and Gorseinon, plus the rest of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. The first site visit is free.

Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Swansea?

Swansea is in Wales, so Wales planning rules apply. It may be permitted development if the ground floor goes no more than 4 m and the first floor no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor 10.5 m from the rear boundary. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

How long does a part single, part two-storey extension take?

Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks), 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 the single-storey part be deeper than the two-storey part?

With planning permission, yes, and that is often the point of the design: the ground floor projects further into the garden while the first floor stays back from neighbours. Under permitted development, the depth limits for extensions of more than one storey can apply to the whole extension, so we confirm which route applies before drawings are finalised.

Which side should the two-storey part go on?

Usually the side furthest from the nearest neighbour's windows, so the single-storey part sits nearest them and keeps their light. Other factors are where the stairs land upstairs, which room needs the extra space and where drains run. We sketch options at the design stage and explain which is most likely to be approved.

Nearby

Nearby towns we cover for part single, part two-storey extensions:

Other extensions in Swansea

All two-storey extension services in Swansea · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

The quickest next step is a visit. We'll look at your house in Swansea and give you an honest view of the options.