For many homeowners in South West London, space is at a premium. Period terraces and Victorian houses, though full of character, often come with narrow kitchens and cramped layouts that no longer suit modern living. If you’ve ever wished for a brighter, more spacious kitchen or dining area without sacrificing garden space, a side return extensioncould be the perfect solution.
At Standley Design and Build, we specialise in designing and constructing side return extensions that transform confined areas into light-filled, functional spaces — seamlessly blending old and new. In this article, we’ll explore what a side return extension is, why it’s ideal for London homes, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
What Is a Side Return Extension?
A side return extension involves building into the narrow strip of land that runs alongside many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. Often underused or wasted, this area typically forms part of a narrow alleyway between the rear kitchen and the boundary wall.
By extending into this space — usually 1 to 2 metres wide — you can dramatically improve the layout of your ground floor, create an open-plan kitchen-diner, and increase the amount of natural light entering your home.
The result? A practical, stylish extension that makes your home feel significantly larger without encroaching heavily on your garden.
Why Side Return Extensions Are Perfect for South West London Homes
1. They Make the Most of Limited Space
South West London neighbourhoods such as Wandsworth, Clapham, Putney
This approach maximises every square metre of your property while keeping outdoor space intact, ideal for urban living.
2. They Bring in Natural Light
One of the main challenges of London terraces is poor light flow. Side return extensions often feature rooflights, glazed walls, or bi-fold doors, flooding the new area with daylight. The result is a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere — perfect for open-plan living.
3. They Add Value to Your Property
According to recent research by the Federation of Master Builders, a well-designed side return extension can increase your home’s value by up to 15–20%. For homeowners in South West London, where space is always in demand, this makes it a smart long-term investment.
4. They Blend Modern Living with Period Charm
Standley Design and Build takes pride in creating extensions that complement original architecture. Using high-quality materials and sensitive design detailing, we ensure your new addition feels like a natural continuation of your home — not an afterthought.
How a Side Return Extension Transforms Your Home
A side return extension can revolutionise the way you use your space. Some of the most common transformations include:
- Expanding the kitchen: The most popular reason for a side return is to create a spacious, modern kitchen-diner — the true heart of the home.
- Creating open-plan living: Remove internal walls to connect cooking, dining, and entertaining spaces seamlessly.
- Adding utility or storage areas: Clever design can integrate laundry zones or hidden storage within the extension.
- Improving flow and functionality: By reconfiguring layouts, homes feel more cohesive and better suited to everyday life.
At Standley Design and Build, our designers work closely with each client to tailor every project to your lifestyle, ensuring a perfect balance between style and practicality.
Design Considerations for Your Side Return Extension
Every South West London home is unique, and a successful extension starts with thoughtful design. Here are some key elements to consider:
Layout
Think about how you’ll use your space. Do you want a large open-plan family room, or defined zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing? Our architects help visualise layouts that enhance flow and functionality.
Light
Maximising natural light is essential in narrow homes. We often recommend glazed roofs, skylights, or crittall-style glass walls to create a bright, airy atmosphere.
Materials
We match materials carefully to maintain architectural harmony — combining traditional London stock brick with modern glass, metal, or timber for timeless appeal.
Planning Permission
Many side return extensions in South West London fall under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission may not be required. However, this depends on the property type and location (for example, if you’re in a conservation area). Standley Design and Build manages the planning process on your behalf, ensuring compliance and smooth approval.
The Side Return Extension Process
At Standley Design and Build, we manage your project from concept to completion:
- Consultation & Survey – We begin with an in-depth home visit to assess your space and discuss your goals.
- Design & Planning – Our in-house design team creates bespoke plans tailored to your home and lifestyle, securing planning consent where required.
- Build & Project Management – We oversee every stage of construction, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Finishing Touches – From bespoke joinery to lighting design, we handle every detail to deliver a flawless finish.
Our clients benefit from a fully managed, end-to-end service, ensuring your extension is completed with minimal disruption and maximum precision.
Cost and Value – What to Expect
While costs vary based on size, materials, and specifications, a typical side return extension in South West Londonstarts from around £60,000–£100,000.
It’s important to see this as an investment, not just an expense. With increased living space, improved light, and enhanced property value, a professionally executed side return extension pays for itself in both enjoyment and resale potential.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Modern side return extensions can also improve your home’s energy performance. By incorporating insulated materials, double-glazed windows, and LED lighting, you can reduce energy consumption and running costs.
At Standley Design and Build, we take a sustainable-first approach, recommending eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient construction techniques wherever possible.
Is a Side Return Extension Right for You?
If you love your home but crave more space, a side return extension might be the perfect solution. It offers:
- Additional living area without major garden loss.
- Enhanced natural light and ventilation.
- Increased property value and market appeal.
- A bespoke design tailored to your home’s character.
Whether you want a minimalist glass addition or a traditional brick extension, Standley Design and Build can help you reimagine your space with craftsmanship and creativity.
Transform Your South West London Home with Standley Design and Build
At Standley Design and Build, we’re passionate about helping South West London homeowners unlock the hidden potential in their properties. Our award-winning team combines architectural innovation with meticulous construction to create spaces that inspire, perform, and endure.
If you’re considering a side return extension, we’d love to show you what’s possible.
Visit standleydesignandbuild.