Local costs · North East · September 2026

How much does an extension cost in Sunderland?

Q: How much is building control in Sunderland?

Sunderland charges £840 (including VAT) for a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans), according to its published schedule (3 February 2025).

Q: How much does a loft conversion cost in Sunderland?

A mid-range 30 m² dormer loft conversion in Sunderland costs about £49,500 to £61,000 including VAT for the building work, and about £62,500 to £80,500 with fees and a 15% contingency.

A mid-range 25 m² single-storey extension in Sunderland costs about £55,500 to £68,500 including VAT, or £2,200 to £2,700 per m² at North East prices. Sunderland charges £840 for building control on a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans, including VAT): about the same as the typical council (£840). With design, a structural engineer, building control and a 15% contingency, budget £69,500 to £90,500.

By Estiquote · Prices reviewed 25 September 2026 · Council fees from Sunderland's published schedule · How we calculate

Work out your project in Sunderland

Loading the calculator…

Typical prices in Sunderland

Mid-range finish, North East prices, including VAT. The budget adds design and engineering fees, Sunderland's building control charge and a 15% contingency.
Project	Building work	Budget to plan for
Single-storey extension, 25 m²	£55,500 to £68,500	£69,500 to £90,500
Double-storey extension, 40 m²	£80,500 to £101,000	£99,500 to £131,000
Dormer loft conversion, 30 m²	£49,500 to £61,000	£62,500 to £80,500
Kitchen, medium	£8,500 to £15,000	£9,700 to £17,300
Bathroom refit	£5,600 to £8,400	£6,400 to £9,600

Building prices in North East run about 12% below the UK average outside London. Kitchens and bathrooms vary less from place to place than extensions and lofts.

Building control fees in Sunderland

Sunderland council charges including VAT (plan and inspection combined)
Work	Charge
Extension up to 10 m² (full plans)	£840
Extension 10 to 40 m² (full plans)	£840
Larger extension, 40-100 m² (full plans)	£1,080
Extension 10 to 40 m² (building notice)	£840
Loft conversion up to 40 m²	£960
Garage conversion	Not published

Sunderland charges £840 for building control on a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans, including VAT): about the same as the typical council (£840). Source: Sunderland's building control charges, 3 February 2025. Inc VAT column.

Private approved inspectors set their own prices and are often competitive, so it is worth asking one or two for a quote as well. See how Sunderland compares with every council we checked.

Notes on Sunderland's schedule

Own guidance note. Single charge, same for full plans and building notice. Bands <=5 / 5-40 / 40-100 m2 (a 10 m2 extension is in 5-40; <=5 m2 is 600). Garage-conversion line not in 2025 table.

Planning

If your extension needs planning permission, a householder application in England costs £548. Many single-storey rear extensions are permitted development and need no application, and a lawful development certificate (£274) confirms it.

Other councils in North East

Building control for a 10 to 40 m² extension:

Questions people ask