Property Conversion - Everything You Need to Know

15 December 2021

Property conversion is a great way to not only create more space in your home but also, it futureproofs and adds value to your property.

However, property conversion is not always plain sailing, there is often a lot to consider. In this article we’re going to talk about loft conversions and garage conversions.

Loft Conversions

A loft conversion can be a great way of adding more bedroom and bathroom space to your home. 

What to consider before taking on a loft conversion

Remember that not all loft spaces are suitable for conversion, and some will also require additional (and expensive) structural work to make the space useable. In order to assess your loft space’s suitability for conversion, you should consider:

• Available head height
• The pitch of your roof
• Your roofs structure
• The position of chimney stacks and water tanks

Your loft should have an available head height of at least 2.2 metres for a conversion to be successful, although there are some solutions for spaces with less than this height.

Can you convert a loft with no planning permission?

The majority of loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, so don’t require planning permission. However, there are rules under Permitted Development that your project will need to stick to. 

This means your loft conversion: 

• Must not add more than 40 cubic metres of volume to your property if it is a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres if it’s a semi-detached or detached home
• Must not exceed the height of your existing roof
• Cannot extend beyond the existing roof slope where your property fronts a road
• Cannot have a veranda or balcony

If you wish to exceed these rules, you will require planning permission.

You may also have to notify your neighbours of any proposed work under the Party Wall Act if you live in a terraced or semi-detached house.

How much does a loft conversion cost?

Loft conversions can range from around £20,000 to £65,000 for more complex work. Usually, the cheapest loft conversions are those where the loft space is 100% suitable for conversion. 

This is because fewer structural interventions will be required to make the space safe.

Does a loft conversion add value to a property?

Adding additional space to your property through a loft conversion could potentially add between 10% and 20% to the value of your property when you come to sell. 

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions are another way of adding space to a property – especially an additional bedroom with en-suite or a children’s playroom.

What to consider before taking on a garage conversion

The first thing to do before committing to a garage conversion is weigh up your need for additional space against how your use your existing garage. If you only have a small amount of off-street parking and use your garage as a place to keep your car, what will the impact be?

Or, if you currently use your garage as a storage space, where will you put things once the space has been converted if you are not willing to have a full clear-out?

Can you convert a garage with no planning permission?

Like loft conversions, most garage conversions fall under Permitted Development, so won’t require planning permission. Some modern homes, particularly those on estates of homes, also have covenants that state garages must be retained as parking. Always check your property’s deeds to find out if this is the case.

How much does a garage conversion cost?

A garage conversion can be one of the cheapest ways to add space to your home. If your garage structure is good and the space is in good condition, you may be able to convert it for around £7,000-£10,000. 

However, remember that your overall costs will depend on the finish you want and the space you want to create in your garage.