Kitchen Extensions – A Guide To Costs, Benefits & Planning

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Kitchen Extension Cost In Milton Keynes, London, and Cambridge

How much does a kitchen extension cost in Milton Keynes, compared to London and Cambridge? A kitchen is the heart of any home, and if you’re looking to expand yours, a kitchen extension in Milton Keynes can provide extra space, modern features, and increased property value. Whether you dream of an open-plan kitchen, a kitchen-diner, or a high-tech cooking space, this guide will cover everything you need to know—from costs and designs to planning permissions and the best construction methods.

Why Invest in a Kitchen Extension?

Kitchen extensions are one of the most popular home improvements, offering: ✔ More Space – Create a spacious kitchen-diner or a modern open-plan layout. ✔ Increased Home Value – A well-designed extension can add 10–20% to your property’s value. ✔ Better Functionality – Add a kitchen island, breakfast bar, or more storage. ✔ Aesthetic Appeal – Upgrade to a sleek, contemporary kitchen with premium finishes. ✔ More Natural Light – Incorporate bifold doors, skylights, or large windows for a brighter space.

Types of Kitchen Extensions in Milton Keynes

Before starting your project, it’s essential to choose the right type of extension based on your budget and space requirements.

1. Rear Kitchen Extension

A rear extension extends your home into the garden, creating an open-plan kitchen space.
  • Best For: Large kitchens, open-plan layouts, family dining areas
  • Average Cost: £2,250–£2,750 per sqm
  • Planning Permission: Often falls under permitted development

2. Side Return Kitchen Extension

Ideal for semi-detached and terraced homes, a side return extension utilizes the narrow space alongside your house.
  • Best For: Narrow kitchens needing extra width
  • Average Cost: £50,000–£70,000
  • Planning Permission: Usually required

3. Wraparound Kitchen Extension

A combination of a rear and side return extension, offering maximum space.
  • Best For: Large family homes wanting open-plan kitchens
  • Average Cost: £70,000–£120,000
  • Planning Permission: Usually required

4. Modular Kitchen Extensions – A Faster, Cost-Effective Solution

Modular extensions are built off-site and installed quickly, reducing disruption.
  • Faster installation (2–8 weeks instead of months)
  • More cost-effective than traditional builds
  • Sustainable and energy-efficient materials
  • Includes a 25-year warranty

Kitchen Extension Cost in Milton Keynes

Kitchen Extension Cost in Milton Keynes

To help you budget, here’s a breakdown of typical kitchen extension costs:

Estimated Costs Based on Size

Size (sqm) Estimated Cost (£)
10 sqm (Small Kitchen Extension) £22,500 – £27,500
20 sqm (Medium Kitchen Extension) £45,000 – £55,000
30 sqm (Large Kitchen Extension) £67,500 – £82,500
40 sqm (Extra-Large Kitchen Extension) £90,000 – £110,000
Additional Costs:
  • Architect & planning fees: £1,500 – £3,000
  • Structural calculations: £500 – £1,500
  • Bifold doors (3m – 4m): £3,000 – £6,000
  • Underfloor heating: £3,000 – £5,000
  • Plumbing & electrical work: £5,000 – £10,000
  • Kitchen installation (cabinets & appliances): £10,000 – £25,000

Kitchen Extension Calculator

Want a quick estimate? Enter your extension dimensions below:

Kitchen Extension Cost Calculator

Kitchen Extension Costs Comparison: Milton Keynes vs. London vs. Cambridge

When budgeting for a kitchen extension, location plays a significant role in determining costs. Construction expenses, labour rates, material costs, and demand fluctuations all contribute to regional differences. Below, we compare the kitchen extension costs in Milton Keynes, London, and Cambridge to help homeowners make informed financial decisions.

Kitchen Extension Cost Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes offers affordable and cost-effective kitchen extensions compared to other cities, thanks to competitive labour rates and a balanced property market. On average:
  • Basic kitchen extension (single-storey, small-scale): £2,250 per sqm
  • Mid-range extension (high-quality finishes, bifold doors, underfloor heating): £2,500–£3,000 per sqm
  • Premium extension (luxury finishes, bespoke kitchen, smart home integration): £3,500+ per sqm

Kitchen Extensions Cost in London

London has significantly higher building costs due to increased demand, strict planning regulations, and premium labour rates. Homeowners in London typically pay:
  • Basic kitchen extension: £2,800–£3,500 per sqm
  • Mid-range extension: £3,800–£4,500 per sqm
  • Luxury extension: £5,000+ per sqm
Factors such as restricted access, historical buildings, and higher property values often add extra expenses in London. In some boroughs, planning permissions and party wall agreements can also increase the total cost.

Kitchen Extension Cost in Cambridge

Cambridge, known for its historic charm and rising housing demand, falls between Milton Keynes and London in terms of pricing. The presence of conservation areas and premium property values contribute to its costs:
  • Basic kitchen extension: £2,500–£3,000 per sqm
  • Mid-range extension: £3,200–£4,000 per sqm
  • Luxury extension: £4,500+ per sqm
Unlike London, Cambridge offers slightly lower labour costs, but additional factors like listed buildings and limited space in older neighbourhoods can still drive prices up.

Which Location Offers the Best Value?

For homeowners seeking affordability and value, Milton Keynes remains the most cost-effective option. However, London and Cambridge kitchen extensions provide a higher return on investment due to their strong property markets. If you’re considering a high-quality kitchen extension but want to avoid excessive costs, modular construction methods (like those offered by Vergolus) can help reduce both expenses and build time, regardless of location.

Planning Permission for a Kitchen Extensions in Milton Keynes

Most kitchen extensions fall under permitted development, meaning you may not need planning permission if: ✔ The extension does not exceed 3m (terraced/semi-detached) or 4m (detached homes). ✔ The height is below 4m for a single-storey extension. ✔ The materials used match the existing property. For larger extensions, you may need full planning approval from Milton Keynes Council. Vergolus can handle this entire process for you.

Kitchen Extension Cost Milton Keynes Vergolus

FAQs 

1. How long does a kitchen extension take?

Traditional extensions take 3–6 months, while modular extensions can be completed in 2–8 weeks.

2. Can I live in my home during construction?

Yes, but expect some disruption. Modular extensions reduce inconvenience since they are built off-site.

3. Do I need building regulations approval?

Yes. Your kitchen extension must meet UK building regulations for insulation, plumbing, electrics, and fire safety.

4. How much value will a kitchen extension add?

A kitchen extension can add 10–20% to your property’s value.

5. What’s the best kitchen layout for an extension?

Popular choices include open-plan kitchen diners, L-shaped kitchens, and U-shaped designs.

6. Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

In many cases, a kitchen extension falls under Permitted Development (PD) rights, meaning you won’t need planning permission if it meets specific criteria (such as size limits and height restrictions). However, if your home is in a conservation area, a listed building, or you plan to extend beyond PD limits, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

7. How long does it take to build a kitchen extension?

The timeline for a kitchen extension depends on factors such as the complexity of the design, planning requirements, and construction method. A traditional extension can take 3–6 months, whereas a modular extension (like those offered by Vergolus) can be completed in as little as 2–4 weeks, significantly reducing disruption.

8. Will a kitchen extension increase my property value?

Yes! A well-designed kitchen extension can boost property value by 10–20%, depending on location, quality of the build, and overall market conditions. Open-plan kitchen and dining spaces are highly desirable, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.

9. What type of kitchen extension is best for my home?

The best kitchen extension depends on your budget, space availability, and lifestyle needs. Popular options include:
  • Rear Extensions – Ideal for homes with large gardens, expanding the kitchen towards the back.
  • Side Return Extensions – Perfect for terraced or semi-detached homes, using wasted alley space.
  • Wraparound Extensions – Combining a side return and rear extension for maximum space.

10. Can I live in my home during the kitchen extension build?

Yes, but traditional extensions can be disruptive due to ongoing construction, dust, and noise. Modular kitchen extensions offer a faster, less intrusive solution, allowing you to stay in your home with minimal inconvenience.

Get Started with Your Kitchen Extension in Milton Keynes

At Vergolus, we offer a turn-key solution covering everything from design and planning to construction and finishing. ✅ Architectural designs & planning applicationsStructural calculations & building regulations approvalConstruction & project managementInterior finishing – including painting, flooring, and lighting 📞 Contact us today for a free consultation! Let’s bring your dream kitchen extension to life. 🚀
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