London home building · News, guides & local builders
Plain-English news and guides on planning, costs and regulations for London homeowners, and a simple way to request quotes from independent local builders in every borough.
Industry News
The government has replaced the 2010 rules on how councils charge for building control. From 6 November 2026, London boroughs can recover more of their costs, the free first hour of advice under existing schemes ends, and new rules cover refunds, private inspectors and enforcement.
Costs & Materials
A large house extension in London can attract Community Infrastructure Levy on top of build costs. Most owner-occupiers can claim a residential exemption, but only if the paperwork is done before work starts. Here is how the rules work in 2026.
Planning & Regulations
Many London houses can be extended without a full planning application, but the rules are tighter than most people expect, and flats, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change the picture entirely.
Costs & Materials
London building work typically costs £1,750 to £4,500+ per square metre, depending on where you are and what you build. Here are indicative 2026 ranges, the extras to budget for, and where the figures come from.
Lofts
A loft conversion is often the most cost-effective way to add a bedroom in London. It is also one of the most regulated: planning, building regulations, fire safety and party walls all apply.
Planning & Regulations
In a city of terraces and semis, almost every extension or loft touches a party wall. The Act sets out a clear process, and following it protects you and your neighbours.
Renovation
The builder you choose matters more than almost any design decision. This checklist covers what serious builders will happily show you, and the red flags to walk away from.
Industry News
The completion certificate is the document that proves your work meets building regulations. Without it, selling or remortgaging can become difficult. Here is how the process works.
Lofts
The shape of your roof largely decides which kind of loft conversion is possible, and the kind you choose decides whether you can rely on permitted development or need planning permission. Here is how the four main types compare for London houses.
Rear, side-return, wraparound and two-storey extensions, common on London's terraces, semis and detached homes.
Dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard lofts, and the building regulations and fire safety rules that apply.
Whole-house refurbishments, structural alterations and period-property restoration.
Infill houses and replacement dwellings, from planning to completion certificate.
Lower-ground and basement works, council basement policies, engineering and party walls.
Fit-outs planned alongside a wider renovation.
Home Builders is an independent London home-building news and guides website. We explain planning, costs, building control and party walls in plain English, linked to official sources, and we advertise independent local builders so homeowners can request quotes in one place.
We do not carry out building work, and listing is not an endorsement. We ask every builder who advertises with us to provide proof of current public liability insurance before they are listed. Always check a builder’s insurance and references yourself before work starts.
Are you a builder? Advertise with us.
No. Home Builders publishes news and guides for London homeowners and advertises independent local builders. Any contract for work is between you and the builder you choose.
Our guides and listed builders cover all London boroughs, from Barnet to Croydon and Richmond to Islington.
Send the form with your postcode and project type. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to up to 3 local builders who advertise with us, and they contact you directly.
We ask every builder who advertises with us to provide proof of current public liability insurance before they are listed. Always check a builder’s insurance and references yourself before work starts.
Use the quote request form for projects, or the advertiser enquiry form if you are a builder.
Request quotes · All of London
Tell us about your extension, loft or renovation, wherever you are in London. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to up to 3 independent local builders who advertise with us, so they can contact you with quotes.