Loft conversions are a great way to increase the usable space in your property, with many loft spaces being at least 50% of the overall house footprint, offering exceptional opportunity for creating extra room.
Whilst the loft can be useful for storage as it is, a conversion makes it a safe, attractive and strong room that is as usable as the rest of the house, creating endless options when it comes to utilising the space.
Loft conversions are popular across the UK as many people look to enhance their home, rather than face the cost and stress of moving house. However, there’s one place that loft conversions are particularly popular, and that is London. So, if you’re thinking of renovating in London and you’re undecided about how you might extend, it’s worth reading on to consider whether the capitals most popular type of home renovation could be the right choice for you:
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Loft Conversions VS Home Extensions
Converting a loft is, of course, a way of extending your property, only, the extension is upwards. The term conversion, though, is more accurate because you’re changing an existing space so that it is usable.
When most people refer to a house extension project they refer to extending a house outwards in some way so that the home’s footprint is extended. That extension can then be extended upwards, with another floor added, but it begins with foundations being laid on the ground this is one of procedures used by Hamilton Darcey
It is often a tough choice for homeowners as to whether or not to convert a loft, or add an extension to the property, but in London, loft conversions always fall in favour.
Before we take a look at why London is such a hot spot for loft conversions rather than house extensions, there are some general benefits to converting your loft that apply wherever you are in the country and they are:
- Loft conversions are usually quicker to complete compared to extensions
- Increased usable living space
- Can add value to a home
- Can sometimes be done without Planning Permission
- Usually great for energy efficiency
- Various types are available to suit your needs/ taste
- The room created has multiple uses
- No need for foundations to be laid, or garden space to be sacrificed
- Room to accommodate a home office for those continuing to work from home post-pandemic
Why Are Loft Conversions So Popular In London?
Loft conversions are a great way to create more space in homes across the UK, but in London, there are some very specific reasons that they are so popular. Let’s take a closer look:
Limited Neighbourhood Disturbance
Neighbourhood disturbance and disruption can upset local communities absolutely anywhere, but in London it can be a bit more of an acute issue. The noise from an extension can go on for many months, or even a year, which can cause tension.
There may also be disturbance to nearby businesses, not only in the noise that is being made, but the need for extensive building work on the ground, plus all the vehicles, team and mess that comes with.
Of course, a loft conversion doesn’t come without noise, building work and other disruption, but because it tends to be so much quicker than an extension, and is focused on the top of the house, the disruption is minimised.
Rental Potential
The rental potential of a room is nothing to be scoffed at in London. For long-term rental, the bedroom space created by a loft conversion can bring in anywhere from £700 to £1000 pounds a month. For short-term rental opportunities you can find rooms in a shared property for around £16 – £50 a night on Airbnb.
If having an officially listed extra bedroom is important to you for this reason, your loft conversion company can discuss the different building measures you’ll need to take to have that happen.
Extra Bedroom Value London When Selling Your Home
When it comes to the estimated value of a home in London, an extra bedroom makes a huge amount of difference. It is said that adding an extra bedroom can add 15% onto the value of your property, which means that if the price of your property is £688,000 (average price of a terraced house in London) adding an extra loft bedroom could push your house value up by over £100,000. This is likely to exceed the average cost of a loft conversion (£21,000 – £44,000), making it a sound home improvement option, not only in function, but value too.
Lack Of Garden/ Protecting Existing Garden Space
The value of a garden in London can be as much as 20% of the home’s value, which means that building onto it is something that most homeowners want to avoid. Not to mention the personal value of an outdoor space in London, bringing a little slice of nature to daily life, which is invaluable these days.
By converting the loft space you avoid spreading your home’s footprint, protecting your valuable London garden square footage.
That is, of course, if that is even an option, as over 21% of homes in London don’t have a garden at all, which means that loft conversions are an essential opportunity to create more space, when space to extend outwards is non-existent.
Unlocking The View Potential
Lots of homes in London are unable to access the potential for beautiful views of the surrounding areas because of the height of the top floor bedrooms. Loft conversions can unlock that view potential, as the windows added not only let in light above the treeline, but also potentially allow views of the surrounding areas, which is wonderful if you can see any London landmarks or green spaces.
The Cost Of Moving House
The average cost of moving house in the UK, in general, is around £10,000, but shockingly, that increases to around £25,000 if you live in London. A loft conversion is a way to invest in the home, create more space, and boost the functionality of the home, all whilst avoiding moving house, and the associated sunk costs.
Contact A Professional Loft Conversion Company To Take The Next Step
If you would love to gain from the various different benefits of getting a London loft conversion, why not get in touch with a professional loft conversion company today? With such extensive opportunities for better functionality, aesthetics and value, it makes sense to choose only the best loft conversion company for your build. With their help, you’ll be enjoying a stunning new London loft conversion space in no time.