Croydon Council (London Borough of Croydon)
Building in Croydon: a local guide
Housing stock, planning and conservation notes, and indicative costs for extensions, lofts and renovations in Croydon, plus quotes from independent local builders.
Homes in Croydon
Croydon has a wide range of housing, from Victorian terraces in Thornton Heath and Norbury to extensive 1930s semis and larger suburban houses in Purley, Sanderstead and Coulsdon.
Typical projects here
Rear and side extensions, loft conversions on 1930s semis, and renovations of larger detached homes.
Planning and conservation in Croydon
Planning and building control in this area are handled by Croydon Council (London Borough of Croydon). Croydon has a number of conservation areas and local heritage areas, and its southern edges include Green Belt land where development is 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.
Croydon's suburban plot sizes mean many extensions can use permitted development, subject to the usual checks.
Typical building costs in Croydon
Building costs in Croydon typically follow outer London rates of about £2,500 to £3,500 per m² for standard residential work, with high specifications and tricky access at the upper end or above. 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 Croydon
Questions about building in Croydon
Can I request quotes from builders in Croydon?
Yes. Quote requests are accepted from anywhere in Croydon, including South Croydon, Purley, Coulsdon, Norbury, Thornton Heath, Sanderstead, Selsdon, Addiscombe, 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 Croydon?
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 Croydon Council (London Borough of Croydon). 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.
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Request quotes · UK introductions
Request quotes for your Croydon 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