Financing a Garden Room or Cabin
Garden rooms can range from simple timber cabins to fully insulated spaces that can be used comfortably throughout the year. What you need to spend will depend largely on what you're building and how you plan to use it.
A basic garden room might only need foundations and installation, while a home office, gym or additional living space could also require insulation, electricity, heating, flooring and a finished interior. You may also want to factor in things like plumbing, furniture or landscaping around the new space.
Once you have an idea of the specification you want, you can start getting quotes and work out how much of the project you may need to finance.
How Much Does a Garden Room Cost in Ireland?
In Ireland, the cost of a garden room can vary greatly. You could be looking at anything from around €6,000 to €20,000+ for a standard build, based on supplier examples and size ranges.
The cost of a garden room in Ireland can vary considerably depending on its size, construction, specification and whether you choose an off-the-shelf cabin or a fully bespoke building.
| Type of project | Things that affect the cost |
|---|---|
| Basic garden cabin | Size, materials, assembly and foundations |
| Insulated garden room | Insulation, windows, electrics and heating |
| Garden office | Internet, electrics, heating, lighting and furniture |
| Garden gym | Flooring, ventilation, electrics and equipment |
| Higher-spec garden room | Plumbing, bathroom facilities, bespoke finishes, etc. |
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room in Ireland?
Not necessarily. In Ireland, a garden room, cabin, shed or similar structure may be considered exempted development, meaning you may not need to apply for planning permission, provided it meets certain conditions.
Under the current Planning and Development Regulations, some of the key conditions include:
- The combined area of the garden structure and other similar structures must not exceed 25 square metres.
- You must retain at least 25 square metres of private open space to the rear or side of your home.
- The structure must not be positioned forward of the front wall of your house.
- There are also requirements relating to factors such as the structure's height, roof and how it is used.
Whether your particular garden room qualifies for an exemption will therefore depend on its size, location, design and intended use, as well as any existing structures on your property.
If you're considering a larger garden room, intend to use it for purposes beyond those covered by the exemption, or are simply unsure whether your plans comply with the rules, it's a good idea to check with your local planning authority before starting work.
How Much Can I Borrow for a Garden Room?
Maximum Loan Term :
10.48%
10.48%
10.48%
This calculator is for illustrative purposes only, to give you, the borrower, an overview of the potential cost of borrowing. The Credit Union, or any of its staff, cannot be held responsible for any errors. Please note that this calculator only provides an indicative quote and actual repayments may vary.
Related Content:
Home Improvement Loans from Heritage Credit Union
Take a look at our Home Improvment Loan product. Borrow up to €100,000 at 7.9% APR.
Learn More
A Guide to Financing Home Improvements in Ireland
Read our guide in which we outline the main ways to finance home improvements in Ireland and highlight which options are most suitable in different scenarios, so you can make a well-informed decision with confidence.
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