Kitchen Extension & Loft Conversion Cost Brighton 2026 [Full Pricing Guide]
If you own a Victorian terrace in Hanover, a Regency villa in Kemptown, or a 1930s semi in Hove, you have probably asked yourself the same question: how much will a kitchen extension and loft conversion actually cost in Brighton in 2026?
The short answer: a combined kitchen extension and loft conversion project in Brighton costs between £75,000 and £150,000 all-in, including VAT at 20%, professional fees, and contingency. Most homeowners in Brighton should budget £90,000–£120,000 for a mid-range kitchen rear extension (20 m²) paired with a standard dormer loft conversion (30 m²). Premium projects in conservation areas or with bespoke finishes can push toward £150,000+.
Brighton sits firmly in the South East cost bracket — 20–30% above the national average — driven by strong demand from London relocators, a tight builder market, and the prevalence of older properties that require careful structural work. At an average of £4,500 per square metre for Brighton property (Plumplot, June 2025–May 2026), the value you add often exceeds the cost of the build.
All prices in this guide include VAT at 20% on labour and materials unless stated otherwise. Professional fees such as planning applications are typically VAT-exempt statutory charges; architect and surveyor fees may attract 20% VAT depending on the firm.
At Suddeco Homes, our AI-powered platform reads your Brighton address and shows you exactly what kitchen extensions and loft conversions have been approved nearby — with real cost data from planning applications on your street. Get your free Brighton render here.
Table of Contents
- Kitchen Extension & Loft Conversion Cost Overview (Brighton 2026)
- Kitchen Extension Cost in Brighton
- Loft Conversion Cost in Brighton
- Combined Project Costs: What Brighton Homeowners Actually Pay
- Brighton Property Types: Cost by House Style
- Brighton & Hove Planning Permission: What You Need to Know
- Hidden Costs to Budget For
- How to Save Money on Your Brighton Renovation
- Extension vs. Moving House in Brighton
- How Suddeco Homes Helps Brighton Homeowners
- Frequently Asked Questions
Kitchen Extension & Loft Conversion Cost Overview (Brighton 2026)
The table below shows the all-in cost ranges for a combined kitchen extension and loft conversion project in Brighton in 2026. "All-in" means construction, VAT at 20%, professional fees, and a 10% contingency.
| Project Scope | Budget (All-In) | Mid-Range (All-In) | Premium (All-In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen extension only (15–20 m²) | £35,000–£48,000 | £48,000–£65,000 | £65,000–£85,000 |
| Loft conversion only (20–30 m²) | £32,000–£48,000 | £48,000–£72,000 | £72,000–£95,000 |
| Combined: kitchen + loft | £75,000–£105,000 | £90,000–£120,000 | £120,000–£150,000+ |
Sources: Checkatrade Cost Guides 2026; Federation of Master Builders (FMB) South East Regional Pricing; HomeOwners Alliance; Plumplot Brighton property data. All construction costs include VAT at 20%.
Brighton context: At £4,500/m² average property value, a combined kitchen extension and loft conversion adding 45–50 m² of usable space to a £450,000 three-bedroom terraced house can increase its value by £80,000–£120,000 — often more than the project cost.
For a precise estimate based on your Brighton postcode, try our free render tool. We analyse approved planning applications within a 500-metre radius of your address.
Kitchen Extension Cost in Brighton
Kitchen extensions are the most popular ground-floor project in Brighton. They transform narrow Victorian kitchens into open-plan kitchen-diners — often the single most impactful change you can make to a Brighton terraced house.
Cost per m² for Kitchen Extensions in Brighton (2026)
| Specification Level | Cost per m² (inc. VAT) | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £2,000–£2,400 | Standard uPVC windows, basic flat roof, laminate worktops, standard kitchen units, basic tiling |
| Mid-range | £2,400–£2,900 | Aluminium bi-fold doors, roof lantern, quartz worktops, quality kitchen (Howdens/IKEA), porcelain tiles |
| Premium | £2,900–£3,500+ | Structural glass roof, Crittall-style frames, bespoke kitchen, natural stone worktops, underfloor heating |
Brighton South East premium: These figures are approximately 20–25% above the national average of £1,800–£2,800/m², reflecting higher labour rates and strong demand from the London commuter belt.
Total Project Cost by Size: Kitchen Extension in Brighton
| Size (m²) | Budget (All-In) | Mid-Range (All-In) | Premium (All-In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m² (small rear) | £24,000–£30,000 | £30,000–£36,000 | £36,000–£42,000 |
| 15 m² (standard rear) | £33,000–£42,000 | £42,000–£52,000 | £52,000–£65,000 |
| 20 m² (large rear / kitchen-diner) | £42,000–£54,000 | £54,000–£68,000 | £68,000–£85,000 |
| 25 m² (wrap-around or large rear) | £52,000–£66,000 | £66,000–£82,000 | £82,000–£105,000 |
All-in totals include construction, VAT at 20%, professional fees (£3,000–£7,000), and a 10% contingency.
What Drives Kitchen Extension Costs in Brighton?
1. Structural Steelwork Opening up the back of a Victorian terrace to create an open-plan kitchen-diner requires steel beam installation (RSJs). Budget £1,500–£3,000 per beam (inc. VAT), plus structural engineer calculations at £500–£1,500.
2. Glazing Brighton homeowners love natural light — and bi-fold doors are almost standard. A 3-metre aluminium bi-fold door set costs £3,000–£6,000 (inc. VAT). A roof lantern adds £1,500–£3,500 (inc. VAT). Full structural glass roofs can reach £5,000–£10,000 (inc. VAT).
3. Kitchen Fit-Out The kitchen itself is typically excluded from builder quotes. Budget: - Budget kitchen: £5,000–£10,000 (inc. VAT) - Mid-range kitchen: £12,000–£22,000 (inc. VAT) - Premium bespoke kitchen: £25,000–£45,000+ (inc. VAT)
4. Ground Conditions Brighton's chalk subsoil is generally stable, but older properties in areas like Hanover and Kemptown can have shallow foundations or hidden cellars. Unexpected ground conditions can add £2,000–£5,000 (inc. VAT) to foundation costs.
Loft Conversion Cost in Brighton
A loft conversion is one of the most cost-effective ways to add a bedroom, home office, or en-suite in Brighton — especially when moving to a four-bedroom house means spending £100,000+ more on stamp duty and purchase costs alone.
Cost per m² for Loft Conversions in Brighton (2026)
| Conversion Type | Cost per m² (inc. VAT) | Total Project Cost (20–30 m², All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| Velux (rooflight) | £1,800–£2,200 | £36,000–£48,000 |
| Dormer | £2,000–£2,600 | £48,000–£72,000 |
| Hip-to-gable | £2,200–£2,800 | £55,000–£82,000 |
| Mansard | £2,400–£3,000 | £60,000–£90,000 |
Brighton South East premium: These figures are approximately 15–20% above the national average, reflecting higher labour costs and the prevalence of complex roof structures on older properties.
Brighton-Specific Loft Conversion Considerations
1. Roof Structure Many Brighton Victorian terraces have traditional cut roofs with rafters and purlins — ideal for conversion. However, 1930s semis in Hove and Portslade often have trussed rafter roofs (post-1965), which require structural alterations adding £3,000–£8,000 (inc. VAT).
2. Head Height You need at least 2.2 m of head height at the highest point. Many Brighton properties have adequate headroom, but some Regency villas with shallow-pitch roofs may not. If your loft is marginal, lowering the ceiling below or raising the roof adds £5,000–£15,000 (inc. VAT).
3. Staircase Fitting a staircase into a tight Brighton terrace can be complex. A straight flight costs £1,200–£2,500 (inc. VAT). A winder or spiral staircase costs £3,000–£6,000 (inc. VAT). If you need to sacrifice a bedroom corner for the staircase, factor that into your space planning.
4. Bathroom or En-Suite Adding a bathroom increases costs by £5,000–£12,000 (inc. VAT). In Brighton terraces, routing soil pipes through multiple floors can be challenging — budget at the higher end if your soil stack is distant.
Combined Project Costs: What Brighton Homeowners Actually Pay
Doing a kitchen extension and loft conversion together is common in Brighton — and it can save money compared to doing them separately. Shared scaffolding, a single set of professional fees, and one period of disruption mean economies of scale.
Combined Project: Real-World Brighton Examples (2026)
| Scenario | Kitchen Extension | Loft Conversion | Combined All-In Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget: Victorian terrace, Hanover | 15 m² rear, basic spec | Velux, 20 m², standard finish | £75,000–£90,000 |
| Mid-range: 1930s semi, Hove | 20 m² rear, mid-range kitchen | Dormer, 30 m², en-suite | £95,000–£120,000 |
| Premium: Regency villa, Kemptown | 25 m² wrap-around, bespoke kitchen | Mansard, 35 m², luxury finish | £130,000–£155,000 |
| Full renovation + extension + loft | 20 m² rear + full ground-floor refit | Dormer + full second-floor refit | £150,000–£200,000 |
All figures include VAT at 20%, professional fees, and 10% contingency.
Why Combine the Projects?
| Factor | Separate Projects | Combined Project |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffolding | £2,000–£3,500 × 2 | £3,000–£5,000 once |
| Professional fees | £4,000–£8,000 × 2 | £5,000–£9,000 once |
| Disruption | 6–8 months total | 4–6 months total |
| Builder availability | Harder to book twice | One committed contractor |
| Contingency | 15% × 2 | 10–12% combined |
Suddeco tip: Combining projects also gives you stronger negotiating power with builders. A £100,000+ contract is more attractive than two £50,000 contracts, and builders may offer a 5–10% discount for the larger job. Enter your Brighton address on our platform to see what combined projects have cost on your street — try it free.
Brighton Property Types: Cost by House Style
Brighton's housing stock is varied, and the type of property you own has a significant impact on both cost and feasibility.
Victorian Terraced Houses (Hanover, Round Hill, Preston Park, Elm Grove)
The most common Brighton property type. Narrow, tall, and often with side returns.
- Typical kitchen extension: Side return or rear extension, 10–15 m² — £30,000–£52,000 all-in
- Typical loft conversion: Dormer, 25–30 m² — £48,000–£72,000 all-in
- Combined project: £80,000–£115,000 all-in
- Challenges: Party wall agreements, narrow access, possible cellars affecting foundations
1930s Semi-Detached Houses (Hove, Portslade, Woodingdean)
More space to work with, often with generous gardens.
- Typical kitchen extension: Rear extension, 20–25 m² — £48,000–£72,000 all-in
- Typical loft conversion: Dormer or hip-to-gable, 30–35 m² — £60,000–£85,000 all-in
- Combined project: £100,000–£140,000 all-in
- Challenges: Trussed roofs common, may need structural alterations
Regency Villas and Larger Terraces (Kemptown, Clifton Hill, Montpelier)
Grander properties with more complex planning considerations.
- Typical kitchen extension: Rear or wrap-around, 20–30 m² — £60,000–£95,000 all-in
- Typical loft conversion: Mansard or dormer, 30–40 m² — £72,000–£105,000 all-in
- Combined project: £125,000–£180,000 all-in
- Challenges: Conservation areas, listed building status, Article 4 Directions, stricter materials requirements
1950s–1970s Houses (Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Whitehawk)
More modern stock, generally simpler to extend.
- Typical kitchen extension: Rear extension, 15–20 m² — £38,000–£55,000 all-in
- Typical loft conversion: Velux or dormer, 20–30 m² — £42,000–£65,000 all-in
- Combined project: £75,000–£105,000 all-in
- Challenges: Lower ceiling heights, smaller original rooms
Brighton & Hove Planning Permission: What You Need to Know
Brighton & Hove City Council has 34 conservation areas and numerous Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights. Understanding the local planning landscape is essential before budgeting your project.
Permitted Development in Brighton & Hove
Many kitchen extensions and loft conversions fall under permitted development (PD) rights, meaning no full planning application is needed if you meet these criteria:
For rear extensions: - Single storey only - Maximum depth: 3 m (terraced/semi-detached) or 4 m (detached) from the original rear wall - Maximum height: 4 m - Materials similar to the existing house - Not on designated land (unless PD rights apply)
For loft conversions: - Maximum additional volume: 40 m³ (terraced) or 50 m³ (detached/semi) - No extension beyond the existing roof slope at the front - Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening (or open above 1.7 m) - No verandas, balconies, or raised platforms
Important: Even if your project falls under permitted development, Brighton & Hove City Council strongly recommends applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development (£129). This proves compliance and is essential when selling your home.
Conservation Areas and Article 4 Directions
Brighton & Hove has more conservation areas than most UK cities of its size. If your property is in one — common in Hanover, Round Hill, Kemptown, Montpelier, Clifton Hill, and parts of Hove — permitted development rights may be restricted or removed entirely.
In areas with an Article 4 Direction (such as Round Hill), you need planning permission for: - Any extension visible from a highway - Changes to windows, doors, or roof coverings - Roof extensions including dormers and rooflights - Alterations to chimneys
Planning application fee (householder): £258 (VAT-exempt statutory fee) Statutory determination time: 8 weeks
Building Regulations
All kitchen extensions and loft conversions require Building Regulations approval, regardless of planning status. This covers: - Structural integrity - Thermal insulation (U-values) - Fire safety and escape routes - Ventilation - Drainage - Electrical safety (Part P)
Building Control fees: £200–£1,000 depending on your local authority or approved inspector.
Brighton & Hove Specific: Roof Extensions
The Council has adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance on Roof Extensions (SPG01). Key points: - Conservation rooflights are a standard condition in conservation areas - Dormers must respect the rhythm and proportion of the existing roofscape - Front roof slope alterations are rarely permitted - In the Round Hill Conservation Area, roof extensions are one of the most commonly applied-for permissions — but approval is not guaranteed
For help navigating Brighton & Hove's planning system, our Design + Planning package includes full application preparation, building regulations drawings, and structural engineering — all for a fixed fee of £2,495.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Many Brighton homeowners underestimate the total project cost by focusing only on construction. The following can add £10,000 to £25,000 to your budget:
| Cost Item | Typical Price | VAT Status | Brighton Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning permission (householder) | £258 | VAT-exempt | Required if not PD or in conservation area |
| Certificate of Lawful Development | £129 | VAT-exempt | Strongly recommended even for PD projects |
| Building regulations approval | £200–£1,000 | Exempt or 20% | Brighton & Hove City Council fees |
| Party wall agreement | £700–£2,000 | 20% VAT applicable | Almost always required for Brighton terraces |
| Neighbour's surveyor (if appointed) | £700–£2,000 | 20% VAT applicable | You pay if they appoint their own |
| Structural engineer | £500–£2,000 | 20% VAT applicable | Essential for steel beam calculations |
| Architect / designer | £3,750–£7,500 | 20% VAT applicable | 5–10% of build cost for traditional architects |
| Asbestos survey and removal | £200–£2,000+ | 20% VAT applicable | Common in pre-1980 Brighton properties |
| Scaffolding | £1,500–£4,000 | 20% VAT included | Higher for taller Victorian houses |
| Temporary accommodation | £1,000–£3,000 | N/A | Useful during the noisiest 4–6 weeks |
| Contingency fund | 10–15% of build cost | Included in build VAT | Essential for unforeseen issues |
Total hidden costs for a £90,000 build: £12,000–£25,000
Always add a 10–15% contingency to your construction budget. Asbestos in old Artex ceilings, unexpected drainage issues, rotten roof timbers, and party wall disputes are common surprises in Brighton's older housing stock.
How to Save Money on Your Brighton Renovation
A combined kitchen extension and loft conversion is a significant investment, but there are proven ways to control costs without compromising quality.
1. Get the Design Right Before You Build
Changes during construction are exponentially expensive — especially in Brighton terraces where access is tight and structural work is complex. Our Concept Package (£495–£995, inc. VAT) delivers 3 renders, full plans, and a revision in 48 hours, so every detail is locked down before builders price the work.
2. Use Our AI to See What Neighbours Paid
Suddeco analyses approved planning applications within 500 metres of your Brighton address to show you real cost benchmarks for projects on your street. No more relying on national averages that do not fit the Brighton market. Get your free render.
3. Choose a Fixed-Price Design Package
Traditional architects charge 5–10% of build cost — £4,500–£9,000 for a typical £90,000 Brighton project. Our Design + Planning package is a fixed £2,495 (inc. VAT), including planning application, building regulations, structural engineer, and unlimited revisions.
4. Be Strategic About Glazing
- Roof lantern vs. full glass roof: Save £2,000–£5,000
- Standard aluminium frames vs. Crittall-style steel: Save £1,500–£4,000
- Sliding doors vs. bi-fold doors: Save £500–£2,000 with similar functionality
5. Handle the Party Wall Process Early
Brighton terraces almost always require party wall agreements. Speak to your neighbours before appointing a surveyor — cooperative neighbours save £1,000–£2,000. Serve notice at least 2 months before work starts.
6. Combine the Projects
As shown above, combining a kitchen extension and loft conversion saves on scaffolding, professional fees, and builder availability. Most Brighton homeowners who do both at once save £5,000–£10,000 compared to separate projects.
7. Time Your Build for Off-Peak
Brighton builders are often quieter in January to March and October to November. Booking during these periods can secure a 5–10% discount. Avoid peak spring and summer when demand from London relocators is highest.
8. Keep the Kitchen Spec Sensible
A £15,000 kitchen from Howdens or IKEA with quartz worktops can look every bit as good as a £35,000 bespoke kitchen. Focus budget on: - Good worktops (quartz or granite) - Quality appliances (Bosch, Neff, Miele) - Soft-close drawers and doors
Save on bespoke carcasses and over-specified lighting.
Extension vs. Moving House in Brighton
For many Brighton families, the choice is between renovating and relocating. The numbers often favour staying put — especially when you factor in Brighton's property prices.
| Expense | Moving House (Brighton) | Kitchen Extension + Loft Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty (average £550,000 home) | £17,500 | £0 |
| Estate agent fees (2%) | £8,000–£12,000 | £0 |
| Legal fees | £1,500–£3,000 | £258–£387 |
| Removals | £1,000–£3,000 | £0 |
| Total moving costs | £28,000–£35,500 | £258–£387 |
| Renovation cost (all-in) | N/A | £90,000–£120,000 |
| New mortgage (if upsizing) | £100,000+ | £0 |
| Value added | N/A | £80,000–£120,000 |
A combined kitchen extension and loft conversion not only avoids the hassle of moving but can also add 20–25% to your property value, according to the HomeOwners Alliance. On a £450,000 Brighton home, that is £90,000–£112,500 in added equity — often covering the entire project cost.
Brighton-specific note: With average property prices at £4,500/m², every square metre you add is worth approximately £4,500 in equity. A 45 m² combined extension and loft conversion adds roughly £200,000 in property value — more than double the build cost in most cases.
How Suddeco Homes Helps Brighton Homeowners
Traditional renovation projects involve months of back-and-forth with architects, weeks waiting for quotes, and uncertainty about what is actually possible on your Brighton property. Our platform changes that.
Step 1: Enter your Brighton address. Our AI analyses nearby approved planning applications to understand what Brighton & Hove City Council has already permitted on similar homes in your neighbourhood — whether that is Hanover, Hove, Kemptown, or Preston Park.
Step 2: Receive an instant render, floor plans, and a cost estimate — completely free. No appointment, no waiting, no commitment. See exactly what your kitchen extension and loft conversion could look like.
Step 3: Choose your package. Our Concept Package delivers three renders, full plans, and one revision within 48 hours for £495–£995 (inc. VAT). Our Design + Planning package handles the full planning application, building regulations, and structural engineering for £2,495 (inc. VAT) — including Brighton & Hove City Council submission.
Step 4: Build with confidence. Our Design-to-Build service matches you with vetted builders who understand Brighton properties, includes project management, milestone payment protection, and a 12-month warranty.
Get your free Brighton kitchen extension and loft conversion render today →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Brighton in 2026?
A kitchen extension in Brighton costs £2,000–£3,500 per m² for construction, inclusive of VAT at 20%. A typical 15–20 m² rear kitchen extension costs £42,000–£68,000 all-in, including professional fees and contingency. The South East premium means Brighton prices are approximately 20–25% above the national average. (Sources: Checkatrade, FMB, HomeOwners Alliance)
How much does a loft conversion cost in Brighton?
A loft conversion in Brighton costs £1,800–£3,000 per m² inclusive of VAT, depending on the type. A standard dormer conversion (25–30 m²) costs £48,000–£72,000 all-in. A Velux conversion starts at £36,000 all-in, while a premium mansard conversion can reach £90,000+. Victorian terraces with cut roofs are typically easier and cheaper to convert than 1930s semis with trussed roofs.
What is the total cost of a kitchen extension and loft conversion combined in Brighton?
Most Brighton homeowners should budget £90,000–£120,000 for a combined mid-range kitchen extension (20 m²) and dormer loft conversion (30 m²), all-in. Budget projects start around £75,000, while premium projects in conservation areas can exceed £150,000. Combining the projects typically saves £5,000–£10,000 compared to doing them separately.
Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension in Brighton?
Often no — many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development if they are under 3 m deep (terraced/semi) or 4 m deep (detached) and under 4 m high. However, Brighton & Hove has 34 conservation areas and numerous Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights. Always check your property status on the Brighton & Hove conservation areas map or use our free render tool for an instant assessment.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Brighton?
Most loft conversions fall under permitted development if they add less than 40 m³ (terraced) or 50 m³ (detached/semi) and do not extend beyond the front roof slope. However, in Brighton & Hove conservation areas — including Hanover, Round Hill, Kemptown, and Montpelier — roof extensions almost always require full planning permission. The Council's SPG01 guidance sets strict standards for dormer design and rooflight specification.
How long does a combined kitchen extension and loft conversion take in Brighton?
A combined project typically takes 16–24 weeks on site. The timeline usually breaks down as: - Weeks 1–4: Scaffolding, structural work, loft floor and dormer construction - Weeks 5–8: Kitchen extension walls, roof, and external finishes - Weeks 9–14: First fix (electrics, plumbing, heating on both floors) - Weeks 15–20: Second fix (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, decoration) - Weeks 21–24: Snagging, final inspections, and certification
Design and planning add 8–16 weeks before construction begins. Our Design + Planning package accelerates this to 2–3 weeks for planning submission.
Will a kitchen extension and loft conversion add value to my Brighton home?
Yes. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, a kitchen extension adds 10–15% to property value, while a loft conversion adds 15–20%. Combined, you can expect a 20–25% increase. With Brighton property averaging £4,500/m², a combined project adding 45 m² of space adds approximately £200,000 in value — often significantly more than the project cost.
How much are Brighton & Hove City Council planning fees?
- Householder planning application: £258 (VAT-exempt)
- Certificate of Lawful Development: £129 (VAT-exempt)
- Building regulations approval: £200–£1,000 (exempt or 20% depending on provider)
- Statutory determination time: 8 weeks for householder applications
What are Brighton's conservation areas, and how do they affect my project?
Brighton & Hove has 34 conservation areas, including Hanover, Round Hill, Kemptown, Montpelier, Clifton Hill, and parts of Hove. If your property is in a conservation area, you likely need full planning permission for any extension visible from a highway. Some areas also have Article 4 Directions, which remove permitted development rights for changes to windows, doors, roofs, and chimneys. Always check your property's status before budgeting.
Do I need a party wall agreement for my Brighton terrace?
Almost certainly yes. If your project is within 3 metres of your neighbour's foundations or affects a shared wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. This is standard for Brighton Victorian terraces. Budget £700–£4,000 for surveyor fees, depending on whether your neighbour cooperates or appoints their own surveyor. Serve notice at least 2 months before work starts.
Can I get a fixed-price quote for my Brighton renovation?
Fixed-price quotes are possible but require detailed, approved plans. We recommend getting our Concept Package first to finalise your design, then requesting fixed-price builder quotes. Our Design-to-Build service connects you with vetted builders who offer clear pricing with milestone payment protection and a 12-month warranty.
How do Brighton builder rates compare to London and the rest of the South East?
Brighton builder rates are approximately 20–25% above the UK national average but 10–15% below central London. A skilled Brighton builder charges roughly £220–£280 per day (inc. VAT), compared to £250–£350 in London and £180–£250 in the North of England. The London commuter effect keeps demand high and availability tight — book your builder 3–6 months ahead.
Should I do both projects at once or separately?
Together is almost always better. Combining a kitchen extension and loft conversion saves on scaffolding (once instead of twice), professional fees (one set of plans and applications), and disruption (one period of building work instead of two). Most Brighton homeowners save £5,000–£10,000 by combining projects. Builders also prefer larger contracts and may offer better rates.
What is the cheapest viable combined project in Brighton?
The cheapest realistic combined project in Brighton costs approximately £75,000–£85,000 all-in. This assumes a small rear kitchen extension (10–12 m²) with basic finishes and a Velux loft conversion (20 m²) with standard fittings. Anything below £70,000 risks significant quality compromises or excludes essential elements like VAT, professional fees, or contingency.
Does VAT apply to kitchen extensions and loft conversions in Brighton?
Yes. VAT at the standard rate of 20% applies to labour and materials for both kitchen extensions and loft conversions on existing homes. All construction costs in this guide include VAT at 20%. Professional fees such as planning applications (£258) are VAT-exempt statutory charges. Architect and surveyor fees typically attract 20% VAT. Zero-rated VAT applies only to new-build properties, not extensions or renovations.
Related Articles
- Rear Extension Cost per m²: The Complete 2026 UK Guide
- Side Return Extension Cost: UK Pricing Guide 2026
- How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost in 2026? [UK Prices + VAT]
- How Much Does a Two-Storey Extension Cost? (2026 UK Guide)
- Planning Permission Cost and Timeline 2026
- Suddeco Pricing and Packages
Last updated: 9 July 2026. Cost figures are based on industry data from Checkatrade, the Federation of Master Builders, the HomeOwners Alliance, and Brighton & Hove City Council planning data, adjusted for inflation and 2026 market conditions. Brighton property price data from Plumplot (June 2025–May 2026). All prices include VAT at 20% on labour and materials unless stated otherwise. Professional fees are typically VAT-exempt or charged at 20% depending on the supplier — always confirm with your professional. Cost per m² is an average and actual prices vary by location, specification, and contractor. Always obtain detailed quotes before committing to a project.
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