Rear Extension Design for Homes Near Hampstead Heath

A rear extension is the most popular way to add space to a home near Hampstead Heath. By extending into the rear garden, you can transform a cramped ground floor into a spacious, light-filled living area that connects beautifully with your outdoor space.

Single-Storey Rear Extensions

A single-storey rear extension can add 15 to 40 square metres of new living space. Most homeowners use this for an open-plan kitchen-diner with full-width glazing connecting the interior to the garden.

Permitted Development

Normal permitted development allows extending 6m from semi-detached or 8m from detached rear walls. However, conservation areas near Hampstead Heath often restrict these to 3-4 metres.

Design Approaches

Contemporary Glass Extensions

Modern glass extensions with slim aluminium or steel frames create a striking contrast with Victorian brickwork. Conservation officers often prefer clearly contemporary approaches over poor period imitations.

Traditional Brick Extensions

Brick rear extensions with matching London stock brick and slate roofing can extend the property seamlessly, looking as though always part of the building.

Mixed Material Extensions

Many successful extensions combine traditional materials with contemporary elements — brick walls with a glass roof, for example. This works well in conservation areas.

Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof

Flat roofs maximise ceiling height and allow large rooflights. Green roofs — planted with sedum — are increasingly popular and support planning applications by providing ecological benefits.

Costs

Rear extension costs typically range from £2,500 to £4,000 per sqm. A 20sqm extension costs £60,000 to £90,000, while a 35sqm extension with high-spec glazing might cost £100,000 to £150,000.

Adding Value

A rear extension typically adds 10-15% to a property's value — often significantly exceeding the construction cost in this premium market.