In 2026, the cost to build a garage in the UK for a traditional brick structure typically ranges between £38,146 and £64,339. Total costs are primarily driven by size (single vs. double), roof configuration (flat vs. pitched), and regional location premiums. New environmental mandates, including Part S electric vehicle (EV) charging and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), now add approximately £2,000 to £4,000 in mandatory infrastructure and professional fees.
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Average Garage Build Costs in the UK (2026)
For most homeowners, the total expenditure depends on whether they require a single or double unit. Based on national benchmarks for traditional brick-and-block construction, these figures reflect realistic turnkey costs in 2026.
Estimated Construction Costs by Specification
| Specifications of Garage | Size (m²) | Average Cost (£) | Low Benchmark (£) | High Benchmark (£) | Typical cost Per m² (£/m²) |
| Single garage with a flat roof | 16.5 | 38,146 | 32,682 | 45,381 | 2,312 |
| Single garage with a pitched roof | 16.5 | 45,655 | 39,040 | 54,799 | 2,767 |
| Double garage with flat roof | 33.0 | 52,455 | 45,153 | 62,413 | 1,589 |
| Double garage with a pitched roof | 33.0 | 64,339 | 54,766 | 77,536 | 1,950 |
What this means for homeowners:
- Pitched Roof Premium: A pitched roof configuration typically increases total build costs by 15% to 20% compared to flat roofs.
- Economy of Scale: Although double garages cost more overall, they are substantially less expensive per square metre than single units.
Regional Price Differences and the London Premium
Location matters, and the same is the case with the garages, and due to the location, the garage cost differs. It’s always more expensive to do projects in London and the South East because there aren’t enough workers, and it’s hard to get things done.
- The London Premium: Building a garage in London typically carries an 11% to 23% premium over national averages.
- Regional Savings: Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are approximately 8% cheaper than national benchmarks
Regional Garage Cost Comparison in the UK (2026)
| Region | Single (flat roof) (£) | Single (pitched roof) (£) | Double (pitched roof) (£) |
| Inner London | 41,431 | 50,017 | 70,761 |
| Greater London | 40,465 | 49,041 | 69,410 |
| East Anglia | 37,791 | 45,163 | 63,630 |
| South East | 39,800 | 46,200 | 61,000 |
| Midlands | 33,738 | 38,500 | 53,500 |
| North England | 32,837 | 35,822 | 51,200 |
| Scotland | 33,000 | 35,500 | 50,500 |
| Northern Ireland | 32,500 | 35,200 | 50,000 |
Professional Fees and Preparation Costs
Modern garage builds require specialized technical input to comply with 2026 building control standards.
- Structural Engineers: Most homeowners pay between £350 and £2,500 for structural engineering, covering foundation design and steel beam (RSJ) calculations.
- Architectural Drawings: Basic planning application drawings typically cost between £3,000 and £5,000.
- Construction Timeline: A standard garage project requires approximately 4.5 weeks of active on-site labor by two tradespeople.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Garage?
A typical garage build involves around four to six weeks of on-site work, assuming standard ground conditions and uninterrupted scheduling. The most time-consuming phases are foundations and groundworks, external walls and structural shell, and roofing installation.
Poor soil conditions, tree-related foundation requirements, or restricted access can extend timelines and significantly increase costs.
New Regulations Affecting 2026 Garage Projects
The Building Safety Levy comes into force in October 2026 and applies mainly to major residential developments. While most single-home garage projects are exempt, the levy matters for larger schemes that include garages.
Building Safety Levy Overview
| Metric | Detail |
| Implementation date | 1 October 2026 |
| Funding target | £3.4 billion over 10 years |
| Rate range | £12.70 per m² to £100.35 per m² |
| Exemptions | Small sites under 10 dwellings, affordable housing |
| Brownfield discount | 50 per cent reduction |
| Enforcement | The completion certificate can be withheld if it is unpaid |
For individual homeowners, this levy usually has no direct cost impact, but it does increase compliance scrutiny across the industry.
EV Charging Requirements: Approved Document Part S
Electric vehicle readiness is no longer optional. Under Part S of the Building Regulations, new residential parking spaces, including garages, must be equipped for EV charging.
EV Charging Requirements for New Garages
| Requirement area | What it means |
| Minimum charger output | 7kW |
| Charger type | Universal Type 2 |
| Smart capability | Mandatory load management and scheduling |
| Cable routes | Required for future charger installation |
| Applies to | New residential buildings with associated parking |
Most homeowners should budget £800 to £1,500 for a compliant EV charger installation as part of a new garage build.
Drainage, Sustainability, and Environmental Compliance
Modern garage builds must also comply with updated Sustainable Drainage System standards. Rainwater runoff is expected to follow a strict hierarchy prioritising on-site reuse, ground infiltration through soakaways, and surface water discharge only as a last resort.
The council may request a SuDS report, which can further add £900-£2,000 to the professional fees.
VAT Rules and Savings
Navigating VAT liability can save homeowners thousands of pounds while building the garage. Here are the latest VAT rules for the best understanding and, of course, the savings:
Standard Rate (20%)
It is only (currently) applied to the most garages added to existing homes.
Zero Rate (0%)
The zero rate is applied if the garage is built at the same time as a new dwelling under a single planning consent.
Green Energy 0% VAT
The 0% VAT rate is only valid for installing solar panels and heat pumps, and this will expire on March 31, 2027.
2026 Garage Build Checklist
Before you start a garage project in the UK in 2026, do the following:
- Check the status of your planning: Find out if your project is allowed to go ahead or if you need to submit a full householder application.
- Check BSL Exemption: For the Building Safety Levy, your site must have fewer than 10 homes.
- Infrastructure Budget: If your local government requires it, add £1,500 for a smart 7kW EV charger and up to £2,000 for a SuDS report.
- Get the most out of your VAT savings: Install energy-saving materials before the March 2027 deadline to get 0% VAT.
Final Thoughts
Building a garage in the UK in 2026 is priced quite higher, and the prices have consistently risen since the last few years, because garages now come with more features than they used to in the earlier years.Now, they provide EV readiness, future conversion potential, and strong resale appeal.
Three things that all successful projects have in common are:
- Realistic budgeting that takes into account rising labour costs and prices in different areas
- Early integration of regulatory requirements, like EV charging and drainage
- Getting professional help with the design phase to avoid having to redesign later at a high cost
A garage built in 2026 can be a long-lasting, future-proof asset for homeowners who plan ahead and follow the UK’s changing housing standards.
FAQs
Is the EV charger required for a new garage in 2026 in the UK?
Yes, according to the approved Document Part S, the new garages must be equipped with a 7kW smart EV charge point.
How much does a SuDS drainage report cost?
For a residential outbuilding in the UK, a standard Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) report usually costs between £900 and £2,000.
Does my single garage build qualify for the Building Safety Levy?
It depends: the levy only applies to big housing projects with 10 or more homes, and it starts on October 1, 2026.
Is it cheaper to put resin flooring down than to tile a garage?
In fact, high-end tiles often cost more than £100 per square metre, while professional epoxy resin flooring usually costs between £50 and £85.
