Camden Council (London Borough of Camden)
Building in Camden: a local guide
Housing stock, planning and conservation notes, and indicative costs for extensions, lofts and renovations in Camden, plus quotes from independent local builders.
Homes in Camden
Camden combines Georgian and early Victorian terraces in the south, large Victorian villas and mansion flats in Hampstead and Belsize Park, and a high proportion of converted flats across the borough.
Typical projects here
Flat and maisonette refurbishments, rear extensions, roof extensions within design guidance and listed-building works with the right consents.
Planning and conservation in Camden
Planning and building control in this area are handled by Camden Council (London Borough of Camden). Much of Camden is in conservation areas and the borough has many listed buildings. Its local plan includes specific policies on basements and on design. Before you design, check whether your property is in a conservation area, is listed or is covered by an Article 4 direction; these change what you can build without permission. Our guide to permitted development in London explains the national rules, and loft conversion regulations covers roof works.
Many Camden homes are flats, so planning permission is commonly needed even for modest extensions.
Typical building costs in Camden
As a central London borough, Camden typically sits in the central range of about £3,500 to £4,500+ per m² for residential work, a 25–40% premium over outer London. Budget on top for professional fees (about 15%), consents and contingency (8–15%) and VAT at 20% on extensions and renovations. These are indicative industry ranges for 2026, not a quote; see our London cost guide or request fixed quotes from local builders.
Neighbourhoods in Camden
Questions about building in Camden
Can I request quotes from builders in Camden?
Yes. Quote requests are accepted from anywhere in Camden, including Hampstead, Kentish Town, Belsize Park, West Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Highgate, Tufnell Park, Swiss Cottage, across London and the wider UK. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to up to 3 local builders who advertise with us.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Camden?
It depends on your property. Houses outside conservation areas may be able to use permitted development, while flats, conservation areas and Article 4 directions usually mean an application to Camden Council (London Borough of Camden). A Lawful Development Certificate gives certainty.
Should I check a builder’s insurance?
We ask every builder who advertises with us to provide proof of current public liability insurance before they are listed. Always check each builder’s insurance, references, written quote and trade body membership yourself before work starts.
Nearby: Ealing · Hammersmith & Fulham · Islington · Wandsworth · Lambeth · all London boroughs · UK areas
Request quotes · UK introductions
Request quotes for your Camden project
Tell us about your extension, loft or renovation anywhere in the UK. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to up to 3 independent builders who advertise with us, so they can contact you with quotes. We do not carry out building work ourselves.
- Free to use, no obligation
- Up to 3 builders, only with your consent
- Always check each builder’s insurance, references and written quote