What we build in Canonbury
Most Canonbury projects we scope fall into three buckets: a side-return or rear infill that fixes a dark galley kitchen, a full-width rear extension that opens the ground floor to the garden, and a rear-plus-loft package that adds a bedroom while the scaffold is already up. Classic 1840–1880 London stock brick terraces, many in conservation zones.
Extension costs in Canonbury
A mid-spec 25 m² extension in Canonbury typically lands between £119,000 and £179,000 all-in — that figure includes professional fees, planning and Building Control, party wall, a 12% contingency and VAT at 20%. Ex-VAT build rates run £2975–£4550 per m² depending on glazing, structural spans and kitchen spend.
| Project | Size | Canonbury all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Side return infill | 15–20 m² | £89k – £134k |
| Full-width rear | 20–30 m² | £119k – £179k |
| Wraparound | 30–45 m² | £173k – £260k |
| Double-storey rear | 40–60 m² | £232k – £349k |
Planning permission in Canonbury
Islington is generally supportive of well-detailed rear/side-return extensions but strict on basement schemes since the 2016 policy tightening. Expect a full application in Barnsbury and Canonbury conservation areas.
Before you assume permitted development applies to your street, check whether your street falls inside a conservation area or an Article 4 direction — both are common in Islington and both remove PD rights for rear and side extensions. Our London planning guide walks through the tests in order.
Party wall and neighbours
Terraces with vaults under the pavement — expect a section 6 notice on basement work.
Serve notice at least two months before you break ground. Budget £1,200–£2,400 per adjoining owner if they dissent and appoint their own surveyor — see the Party Wall Act guide.
Access, logistics and site set-up
Access is typically through the house, so expect dust protection, a boarded route and a skip permit from the council.
Every quote we issue for Canonbury prices skip permits, parking suspensions, protection and welfare explicitly in the preliminaries — so the number you sign is the number you pay.
Value added in Canonbury
Adding floor area is usually cheaper than moving once stamp duty, agent fees and moving costs are counted.
Typical programme
- Weeks 0–4Measured survey, design and structural calcs
- Weeks 4–12Planning or lawful development certificate, party wall notices
- Weeks 12–16Tender, builder selection and contract signing
- Weeks 16–34On site: groundworks, shell, watertight, first and second fix
- Week 35Building Control sign-off, snagging and handover
Full detail in the London extension timeline guide.
Why homeowners in Canonbury use us
- KYB-verified builders only
- Live Islington project experience
- Itemised fixed-price specifications
- Insurance, warranty and accreditation checks