Exclusive Norwegian supplier
Granny annexes fully fitted and installed across the UK
For over 40 years, Norwegian Log has been building bespoke annexes in British gardens. Each annex is a self-contained home, complete with fitted kitchen, full bathroom, heating, electric and plumbing. We manage the entire process from design, paperwork, groundworks and installation, all you need to do is tell us what you need.
Built for the British weather
Constructed from solid Scandinavian logs and a unique interlocking system, our annexes feel comfortable during every season, staying warm in winter and cool in summer.
Spaces that feel like home
Thoughtfully planned layouts that create spaces that support independence while keeping family close.
What's included in a bespoke Norwegian Log Granny Annexe?
- Fully fitted kitchenette with over, hob, extractor fan & sink
- Choice of kitchen styles and finishes included in the standard specification
- Stylish shower room with toilet, sink & spacious walk-in shower
- Full internal electrics including consumer unit, lighting, heating and plug sockets
- Luxurious flooring throughout
- Thermally efficient double-glazed windows
- Secure bi-fold entrance doors with high-security locking as standard
- Accessibility features, grab rails, shower seat and accessible layout can be included in the standard specification, not charged as extras
- Optional decking areas that can be used to entertain friends and family
- Optional safety technology: Canary Care discreetly monitors temperature and movement within the annexe without compromising privacy
Simplified Planning Permission
Annexes built for the exclusive use of a family member on your property are usually exempt from planning permission as they meet requirements of the 1968 Caravan Act.
No VAT or Council Tax
Granny annexes require no VAT to pay. In addition, providing your annexe is being used by a dependent relative, it is typically exempt from Council Tax.
DDA Compliant
All our floor plans are fully compliant with DDA requirements for disabled access without further modification.
Choose an annex for your garden
All Norwegian Log annexes are bespoke to the individual needs, this includes the size and the number of bedrooms. Our most popular sizes can be seen below.
Planning permission, VAT and Council Tax
These are the three questions we are asked before almost anything else. The short answers are: in most cases, for an annex you do not need planning permission, you do not pay VAT or additional Council Tax.
Granny annexes built for the exclusive use of a family member on your property are generally classified as mobile or transportable homes under the Caravan Act 1968, provided they meet certain size and construction criteria. This classification means they sit outside the standard permitted development rules that apply to permanent structures, and in most cases planning permission is not required.
We build all of our annexes to BS3632, the British Standard for residential park homes. This is the benchmark that establishes a structure as fit for full-time residential use and is the same standard that underpins the planning exemption.
That said, "generally exempt" is not the same as "guaranteed exempt." Local authority interpretation varies, and there are circumstances — listed buildings, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, previous planning conditions on the plot — where a formal application is needed. Our advice, regardless of situation, is to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate from your local council. This is a formal document that confirms planning permission is not required for your specific annexe on your specific site. We handle this process on your behalf as part of our service. If planning permission is required, we manage that application too.
Because our annexes are classified as transportable homes under the Caravan Act 1968, they are zero-rated for VAT under HMRC VAT Notice 708. You pay 0% VAT rather than the standard 20%. On an annexe starting from £61,703, that is a significant saving — one that does not apply to conventionally built structures subject to Building Regulations.
If you are comparing quotations from different annexe suppliers, check whether VAT is included or excluded in the price presented and which regulatory route their product follows. Not all garden annexes qualify for zero-rating. Ours do.
An annexe used solely by a dependent relative is generally exempt from Council Tax under Class U of the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992. A dependent relative is defined as a person aged 65 or over, or someone who is substantially and permanently disabled, or someone who is severely mentally impaired.
If your annexe is intended for a family member who meets that definition, you apply directly to your local billing authority for the exemption. We can advise on this during the design process. It is worth doing — Council Tax on a second dwelling on your property adds up quickly and most families are entitled to avoid it entirely.
Get started for £2,995
Starting your annexe journey is simple. Your initial £2,995 payment allows us to begin the paperwork and apply for your Lawful Development Certificate on your behalf.
And because we only want you to move forward with confidence, this payment is fully refundable if we’re unable to secure the certificate.
Once your project is ready to move forward, a 30% deposit secures your installation date and allows us to begin manufacturing your bespoke annexe.
There is nothing further to pay until our team arrives onsite to begin installing your annexe.
Your remaining payments are then made in agreed stages as the installation progresses, with the final payment only due once snagging is complete and you have signed off that you’re happy.
Annexes for keeping loved ones close
Norwegian Log designs and build high-quality annexes for gardens of all sizes.
A practical solution for families needing a fully functional residential space to support loved ones, keeping them close next to the main house.
Every annexe is bespoke and configured to suit your needs, including accessibility and assisted technologies.
While often chosen for elderly relatives, a granny annexe can evolve with your family’s needs — becoming a guest accommodation, a home office, or a private retreat once circumstances change
FAQs
Annexes sited in the garden for the exclusive use of a family member are usually exempt from planning permission. You can read more about this in our handy guide to mobile home Planning Permission. Or contact us for some straightforward advice.
We do recommend that we obtain a Lawful Development Certificate from your Council which confirms that planning permission isn't required - we will even handle this process on your behalf. If Planning Permission is required, our experts will be happy to guide you through the process and deal with the application.
A garden annex will add value to your home, and with our annexes designed to last a lifetime it could prove to be the perfect long-term investment.
If family circumstances change, an empty garden annex can quickly begin paying its way to increase your garden’s income potential. You can offer B&B rooms or provide a self-contained home in your garden for rental. Business use is subject to a different Planning regime, of course, so please consult a professional.
When you’re looking to sell up, annexes are a popular way to stand out in the property market, with estate agents reporting that properties with an existing annexe are in high demand and tend to sell quickly.
We offer a groundworks service for all our annexe installations, meaning Norwegian Log can offer a complete service from concept through to completion.
Alternatively we can work with a local provider of your choice should you prefer to manage this element yourself.
Yes, we cover the entire UK. Over the last 20 years there are probably very few areas that we have not worked in and we are geared up to work nationwide.
Norwegian Log annexes are highly energy-efficient as they are excellent at retaining heat and conserving energy. This is owing to the logs' natural insulation combined with modern cavity insulation. This combination, with the natural temperature control properties of the logs, means your granny annexe will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The high levels of insulation keep running costs to an absolute minimum, reducing exposure to rising energy costs. Our family annexes are sustainable, eco-friendly and cause minimal disruption to the environment.
Our team is happy to provide information and guidance to help you explore your options. We can certainly guide you through several potential routes to help fund your project.
All of our annexes come with a five-year warranty which is extendable to 25 years and covered by a comprehensive maintenance package.
Timelines can vary depending on project size and client feedback, but here’s a general overview:
- Initial design: First draft delivered within 1–2 days
- Quotation: Typically takes 2–5 days, depending on communication and revisions
- Final log cabin design: Usually completed within 1 week
- Planning process: Around 8 weeks
- Manufacturing: Typically 10–12 weeks
- Groundworks: Usually around 1 week, depending on size and site specifications
- Installation: Generally 5–10 weeks, depending on cabin size
- Fit-out: Approximately 2–3 weeks