South East regional cost guide

House Extension Cost in Brighton

Current 2026 national benchmarks adjusted with the transparent UK Home Costs South East planning model, plus worked Brighton examples.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · 1.15× regional model · Methodology

Modelled cost per m²£2,050–£3,450 / m²
Planning context£41,400–£69,000 for a modelled 20m² example
This page does not claim to measure observed contractor prices in Brighton. It starts with dated UK benchmarks, applies the stated UK Home Costs modelling assumption and rounds the result for early budgeting.

Calculate your extension cost

Extension cost per m² in Brighton

Current UK benchmark£1,800–£3,000 / m² before VAT
Brighton modelled range£2,050–£3,450 / m²
Regional factor1.15× · 15% above the national planning baseline

Extension cost by size in Brighton

Each row multiplies the current £1,800–£3,000 per m² national benchmark by floor area and then applies the same regional factor.

10m² extension£20,700–£34,500
15m² extension£31,050–£51,750
20m² extension£41,400–£69,000
25m² extension£51,750–£86,250
30m² extension£62,100–£103,500
40m² extension£82,800–£138,000
50m² extension£103,500–£172,500

What can change a real Brighton quote?

  • Floor area and number of storeys
  • London and regional labour rates
  • Steelwork and structural changes
  • Kitchen or bathroom installation
  • Glazing and door specification
  • Finish level, access and contingency

Local planning considerations

Coastal exposure, conservation areas, parking and restricted access can affect individual quotations beyond the broad South East planning model.

  • Exterior specifications may need more attention where a property is exposed to coastal weather and salt-laden air.
  • Tight street access or controlled parking can change waste, scaffold and delivery logistics even when the underlying project is unchanged.
  • Check listed-building or conservation constraints before assuming a standard window, roof, rendering or extension specification.

How the regional model works

The 1.15× factor places this planning estimate 15% above the national planning baseline. We keep that modelling assumption separate from the dated national benchmark so users can see which part comes from an external source and which part is UK Home Costs modelling.

Sources

Checkatrade

House Extension: Cost Breakdown 2026

Published / checked: June 2026

Used for: Extension cost-per-m² benchmarks and common add-on costs

View source ↗
Office for National Statistics

Construction output price indices

Published / checked: 13 August 2026

Used for: Construction price trend and update checks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does a house extension cost in Brighton in 2026?

Our modelled Brighton planning rate is about £2,050–£3,450 / m², based on the current national £1,800–£3,000 per m² benchmark and the South East regional factor. This is not an observed city-wide quote average.

How much is a 20m² extension in Brighton?

Applying the same regional model gives about £41,400–£69,000 before VAT for a straight-line 20m² example. Structural work, glazing, kitchens, bathrooms and access can move a real quote outside that range.

Why is the Brighton estimate different from the UK benchmark?

UK Home Costs applies a 1.15× South East planning factor, placing the model 15% above the national planning baseline. It is our modelling assumption rather than an external city price index.

Does the extension figure include VAT and professional fees?

The national benchmark is stated before VAT. Do not assume architect, structural engineer, planning, building-control, party-wall or specialist survey fees are included unless a contractor quote says so.

Compare extension cost across the UK