What we build in Swiss Cottage
Most Swiss Cottage 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. Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses, Hampstead villas and 1960s ex-LA stock.
Extension costs in Swiss Cottage
A mid-spec 25 m² extension in Swiss Cottage typically lands between £126,000 and £191,000 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 £3150–£4800 per m² depending on glazing, structural spans and kitchen spend.
| Project | Size | Swiss Cottage all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Side return infill | 15–20 m² | £95k – £143k |
| Full-width rear | 20–30 m² | £126k – £191k |
| Wraparound | 30–45 m² | £183k – £277k |
| Double-storey rear | 40–60 m² | £246k – £372k |
Planning permission in Swiss Cottage
Camden's conservation-area coverage is heavy in Hampstead, Primrose Hill and Fitzrovia. Rear extensions to 3m PD are often possible outside these zones but the planners scrutinise glazing and roof form closely.
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 Camden 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 mean two Party Wall Awards on almost every project.
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
Tight on-street parking means bay suspensions and timed deliveries — your builder should price this, not absorb it.
Every quote we issue for Swiss Cottage 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 Swiss Cottage
Buyers in this area consistently pay a premium for open-plan kitchen-diners with direct garden access.
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 Swiss Cottage use us
- KYB-verified builders only
- Live Camden project experience
- Itemised fixed-price specifications
- Insurance, warranty and accreditation checks