Garden House / Outbuilding: Dutch Permit Rules, Costs & Materials
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 31, 2026
A garden house or outbuilding is, within certain limits, permit-free in the Netherlands: it must stand in the back garden area and stay within the allowed floor area and height. Material and finish range from a simple wooden shed to an insulated garden room usable year-round — with a price difference from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros.
Do you need a permit for a garden house?
The same permit-free outbuilding rules apply as for a covered structure or poolhouse:
- Back garden area: the garden house must stand behind the imaginary line of the front facade.
- Floor area: together with other outbuildings, typically no more than 50% of the back garden area may be built on, up to a maximum that scales with plot size.
- Height: up to 5 metres build height at least 1 metre from the boundary; closer to the boundary a lower maximum applies.
A larger, taller, or more forward-positioned garden house still needs a permit. We check the rules for your specific address and zoning plan before you choose.
Which material should you choose for a garden house?
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Timber (pine, larch, hardwood) | Warm look, weathers naturally or stays coloured with stain/oil; needs regular upkeep. |
| Brick or concrete | Durable and low-maintenance, matches a brick main house well; higher build cost. |
| Composite or steel | Modern, virtually maintenance-free, but less flexible in design than timber. |
For a villa garden we often match the material and colour to the poolhouse or main house, so the garden house reads as part of one design rather than a separate shed.
What does a garden house cost?
| Type | Guide price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Simple timber shed | €800 – €2,500 |
| Mid-range garden house (timber, insulated roof) | €2,500 – €8,000 |
| Premium garden room / outdoor office (fully insulated, electrics) | €8,000 – €25,000+ |
Foundation, delivery and installation often come on top of the base build price — for a kit garden house, budget an extra 10–20% for a proper foundation and assembly.
Where should you position the garden house?
A garden house functionally belongs in the "utility zone" of a garden design: out of direct sightline from the terrace, but easily accessible. Plan electrics (and water, if needed) into the garden build from the start — running a cable through finished paving and planting afterwards is considerably more expensive and disruptive. See our villa garden design guide for more on this zoning approach. Want to see models and materials in person first? Visit the showroom of our design partner Sense Garden Experience in Amsterdam — we then carry out the build in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I place a garden house myself without applying for a permit?
Yes, provided the garden house stays within the rules for permit-free outbuildings: in the back garden area, within the allowed floor area and height. Beyond those limits a permit is required. We are happy to check this for your specific situation.
What is the difference between a garden house and a poolhouse?
A garden house is typically a general-purpose shed or garden room; a poolhouse is specifically fitted out around the pool, with a technical room for pump and filtration and often a changing area. Both fall under the same outbuilding permit rules. See also our <a href="/en/knowledge-base/poolhouse-covered-structure/">poolhouse and covered structure guide</a>.
Can a garden house be used year-round?
With sufficient insulation, an insulated roof and electrics, a garden house works well year-round as extra workspace, a hobby room or guest accommodation. A simple, untreated shed is best suited to seasonal storage.
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