Side Return Extensions London

Build Your Side Return Extension

Get In Touch

Unlock the hidden potential of your home with a beautifully designed side return extension from LXR Construction. We specialise in creating modern, spacious and light-filled side return extensions across London, transforming narrow passageways into valuable living space. Whether you want to expand your kitchen, create an open-plan family room, or modernise your ground floor layout, our team manages everything — from initial design and planning to structural engineering and full interior fit-out.

Why Build a Side Return Extension?

  • Maximise Unused Space – Most London terraces and semi-detached homes have a narrow strip of unused land along the side of the property. A side return extension turns this into valuable, usable living space that makes your ground floor feel significantly larger.
  • Create a Brighter, More Open Layout – Side return extensions are ideal for introducing rooflights, skylights and larger windows. This floods your home with natural light and dramatically improves the flow between your kitchen, dining and living areas.
  • Cost-Effective way of increase space – A side return extension is one of the most affordable ways to increase ground floor space without extending far into the garden — making it a popular choice for London homeowners with smaller outdoor areas.
  • Ideal for London Properties – Victorian, Edwardian and period properties benefit hugely from side return extensions. They allow you to widen narrow kitchens and create modern open-plan layouts that feel spacious, practical and family-friendly.
  • Enhance Functionality Without Losing Garden Space – Because the extension fills the unused side passage, you gain interior space while preserving most of your garden.
side return extension being built

Take the first step toward the side return extension you’ve always dreamed of….

Get a free quote

Our Step By Step Process To Building Your Side Return Extension

1

Consultation & Design

We begin by discussing your goals, how you use your home and the layout improvements you want to achieve. Our designers explore glazing options, skylights, bifold or sliding doors, kitchen layouts and how the new space will integrate with your existing rooms. We then create a bespoke, space-maximising design tailored to your home.

2

Planning & Approvals

Side return extensions can fall under permitted development, but many London projects require full planning permission due to boundary constraints or conservation areas. We handle everything — drawings, planning submissions, structural calculations, party wall notices and building regulations — ensuring a smooth, stress-free process.

3

Construction & Project Management

Our experienced side return extension builders bring your project to life with precision and care. A dedicated project manager oversees the entire build including groundworks, steel installations, brickwork, roofing, insulation, skylights, glazing and full interior work. We provide regular updates for full transparency throughout the build.

4

Completion & Interior Fit-Out

Once the structure is complete, we finish your extension with flooring, lighting, plumbing, kitchen installations, carpentry and full decoration. We then carry out a detailed quality inspection and walk you through the completed space to ensure every detail meets our high standards.

How Much Does A Side Return Extension In London Cost?

Costs vary based on size, structural needs, glazing choices and your preferred level of finish. As a guide:

  • £45,000 – £85,000+ for a standard single-storey side return extension
  • £85,000 – £130,000+ for open-plan layouts with premium finishes, large glazing or steelwork

After your survey and consultation, we provide a fully itemised, transparent quote.

Will a Side Return Extension Add Value to your home

Yes. A well-designed side return extension can increase your home’s value by 10–20%, depending on size and specification. By improving the kitchen — one of the most important rooms for buyers — and enhancing natural light and layout, you significantly boost both your enjoyment of the space and future resale appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

A side return extension fills the narrow alleyway between your house and your neighbour’s boundary, adding width to your kitchen or living area and improving natural light and flow.

Yes. It’s one of the most cost-effective extensions in London, providing extra space without taking up much garden area.

Some side return extensions fall under permitted development, but many require planning permission due to height, boundary rules or conservation area restrictions. We manage this for you.

Widths vary depending on your property, but most London side returns extend around 1–2 metres to the side, allowing for a significantly wider kitchen or living space.

Yes. Skylights, rooflights and glass panels are commonly used to maximise natural light on side return extensions and can often make even a small 1-2 meter extension appear much bigger because of the light that floods in.

Most projects take 8–16 weeks, depending on the structure, glazing and interior finishes.

No — side return extensions mostly fill unused side passages, preserving the majority of your outdoor area.

Get a Free Quote From A Side Return Extension Specialist

Please fill our your details below and one of our team will be in touch

    Our Side Return Extension Building Services in London

    From stylish modern designs to character-preserving builds for period homes, we offer a complete suite of services:

    Kitchen Side Return Extensions

    The most popular choice — ideal for widening narrow kitchens and creating open-plan living space that’s family-friendly and modern.

    Rear & Side Combination Extensions

    Combine a side return extension with a rear extension for maximum internal space and a dramatic open-plan transformation.

    Side Return Extensions with Rooflights

    Maximise daylight with skylights, roof glazing or glass infills to create a bright and airy feel.

    Modern Open-Plan Side Return Designs

    Create a seamless kitchen–dining–living area with bi-fold or sliding doors and premium materials.