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Buyer Guides8 min readBy New Chapter Homes

Modular Home Annexe Ireland: Garden Annexes for Family Living

Modular home annexes in Ireland — what a garden annexe is, who it's for (granny flat, family annexe, guest annexe), planning, sizes and prices.

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Modular Home Annexe Ireland: Garden Annexes for Family Living — Buyer Guides article by New Chapter Homes Ireland

Looking for the full picture? Read our guide to granny flats in Ireland.

Modular Home Annexes in Ireland

A modular home annexe is a self-contained modular unit built in the garden of an existing home — for an older relative, a returning adult child, guests or rental. This guide explains what a modular annexe is, who it's for, planning, sizes and prices.


What Is a Modular Home Annexe?

A modular annexe is a factory-built, self-contained living space — typically a studio or 1–2 bed — installed in the garden of a main house. It has its own kitchen, bathroom and living space, and is connected to the main house's services.


Who Is a Modular Annexe For?

  • An older relative — a granny flat / family annexe for independent living close to family
  • A returning adult child — a young adult who needs their own space
  • Guests — a guest annexe for visiting family and friends
  • Rental — a garden rental unit (subject to planning and Rent-a-Room rules)
  • A home office — a self-contained workspace

Modular Annexe Sizes and Prices

  • Studio annexe (15–25m²): from €35,000
  • 1-bed annexe (35–55m²): from around €60,000
  • 2-bed annexe (36–45m²): from around €80,000

See: 2 Bedroom Modular Homes in Ireland


Does a Modular Annexe Need Planning Permission?

A small ancillary garden structure up to 30m² at the rear of your house may be planning-exempt under the general garden-structure exemption. The Class 3A 32–45m² exemption (in force from 27 July 2026) may allow a larger detached auxiliary dwelling without full planning, subject to all applicable conditions. A separately let or self-contained annexe generally needs planning.

See: Planning Permission Ireland and The 45m² Planning Exemption


Modular Annexe vs Extension

| Factor | Modular annexe | Traditional extension | |---|---|---| | Build time | Weeks | 3–6 months | | Disruption | Days on site | Months of dust | | Cost | Fixed-price | Open-ended | | Independence | Self-contained | Part of the house | | Garden placement | Yes | No |


Talk to Us About a Modular Annexe

At New Chapter Homes, we design and install modular annexes for families across Ireland. Book a free consultation to talk through an annexe for your family.

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