Home extensions in London are having a moment. Whether it’s adding a stylish rear extension in Battersea or a compact side return in Clapham, homeowners are transforming their properties to suit modern lifestyles—and adding serious value in the process.
With limited space and sky-high property prices, extending is often smarter than moving. In 2025, the hottest trends are blending smart design with sustainability, creating functional and beautiful homes across the capital.
Let’s explore the biggest extension trends shaping London homes right now.
Buying a bigger home in London? That’s often out of reach for many. With average property prices pushing past £700,000 in several boroughs, families are turning to home extensions as a cost-effective way to gain space without relocating.
Since the pandemic, there’s been a huge demand for home offices, gyms, and larger living areas. Extensions let people customize their homes to meet new lifestyles—especially when working from home has become the norm.
Thanks to Permitted Development Rights, some extensions don’t need formal planning permission, such as:
These rights make it easier and quicker to start building—though you’ll still need to meet building regulations.
If you live in a conservation area, flat, or listed building, or if your plans exceed size limits, you’ll need full planning permission. Ryan and Sons help clients navigate these rules and secure approvals efficiently.
Perfect for opening up the back of your home into a light-filled space—often combining kitchen, dining, and lounge areas.
Ideal for Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes, side return extensions use that dead alley space to expand narrow kitchens.
Combine rear and side return extensions for a spacious open-plan area.
Maximize both floors of your home—great for growing families needing more bedrooms and bathrooms.
Open-plan layouts are still a top trend in 2025. They make small homes feel larger and create a natural flow between cooking, dining, and relaxing.
Design features include:
These layouts also boost entertainment value—great for hosting family and friends.
Londoners are finding clever ways to bring the outside in and vice versa.
The most sought-after feature in 2025? Bifold or sliding glass doors that fold away to connect your indoor space with the garden. They create:
Barbecues are getting an upgrade. Outdoor cooking areas complete with prep counters, sinks, and built-in grills are now part of many rear extensions.
Designers are building continuity between indoor and outdoor finishes. Think:
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a priority.
To meet rising energy standards, triple-glazed windows are the new norm. They provide:
New builds and extensions are increasingly designed with roof-mounted solar panels or tiles. These power not only lighting but electric vehicle (EV) chargers as well.
Designs now include strategic window placement, thermal mass materials, and superior insulation to reduce reliance on artificial heating.
Bringing in daylight is essential, especially in dense London terraces.
Rooflights are hugely popular for:
They dramatically increase the feeling of space.
All-glass extensions (or partially glazed roofing) are trending in upscale homes—combining high design with high performance.
Eco-conscious choices are gaining traction. Builders and homeowners alike are turning to:
Even internal finishes are seeing a sustainable shift—like bamboo flooring and VOC-free paints.
Modern extensions now serve as tech hubs.
These features aren’t just fancy—they add real long-term value and appeal.
With hybrid living here to stay, extensions are becoming adaptable environments.
Designers are creating spaces that can evolve with your lifestyle.
Gone are the days of safe grey tones. In 2025, homeowners are expressing their personalities through:
The goal? Create spaces that feel curated, not cookie-cutter.
Smart storage is baked into modern extension design:
These additions make urban homes feel more organized and livable.
Forward-thinking homeowners are preparing their spaces for:
Your extension isn’t just for now—it’s for tomorrow, too.
Extensions that are too large for the plot can breach planning rules and upset neighbours.
London’s older infrastructure means you must plan for:
Don’t ignore:
Ryan and Sons handles these details to keep your project compliant and stress-free.
Where should you spend and where can you save?
| Spend On | Save On |
|---|---|
| Structural quality | Trendy fittings (easily upgraded later) |
| Insulation and windows | Non-load-bearing walls |
| Built-in storage | Temporary furniture |
Get quotes, include a 10–15% contingency, and work with a reputable builder who respects your budget and timeline.
We’ve helped London homeowners transform their homes for over a decade. Here’s what sets us apart:
Whether you’re expanding for a growing family or creating a dream entertaining space, we build with care, compliance, and style.
Q1: How much does a home extension in London cost?
A1: Costs range from £1,800–£3,000 per square metre, depending on materials, location, and complexity.
Q2: How long does a typical extension take?
A2: Single-storey rear extensions usually take 10–14 weeks, depending on design and weather.
Q3: Do I need planning permission?
A3: Not always. Many extensions fall under permitted development, but check with your local authority.
Q4: Will an extension add value to my home?
A4: Absolutely. Well-designed extensions can boost value by 10–20%, especially in London’s competitive market.
Q5: What if my neighbours object?
A5: Their input is considered in planning decisions, but they can’t block permitted development rights.
Q6: Can Ryan and Sons help with design and permissions?
A6: Yes! We provide full architectural and planning support in-house for seamless project delivery.
