City of London Corporation
Builders in City of London
Housing stock, planning and conservation notes, and indicative costs for extensions, lofts and renovations in City of London. Request quotes from independent local builders — Home Builders does not carry out building work.
Homes in City of London
The City is dominated by commercial buildings and mansion flats, with a smaller stock of residential conversions and Barbican estates rather than suburban houses.
Typical projects here
Flat and maisonette refurbishments, office-to-residential fit-outs where permitted, and listed-building works with consent.
Services in City of London
Planning and conservation in City of London
Planning and building control in this area are handled by City of London Corporation. Many buildings are listed or in conservation areas. The City of London Corporation is the planning authority; basement and roof policies can be tightly controlled. 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.
Householder extensions are rarer here than elsewhere in London; most residential projects are flat refurbishments or conversions.
Typical building costs in City of London
As a central London borough, City of London 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 City of London
Questions about building in City of London
Can I request quotes from builders in City of London?
Yes. Quote requests are accepted from anywhere in City of London, including Barbican, Fleet Street, Smithfield, Aldgate, Blackfriars, Moorgate, 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 City of London?
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 City of London Corporation. 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 · Camden · Islington · Wandsworth · all London boroughs · building services · UK areas
Request quotes · UK introductions
Request quotes for your City of London 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