How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?

A loft conversion can be a great addition to your property. Not only does it add value to your home, but a loft conversion delivers a host of practical benefits too. As with anything, though, it comes at a cost, and in this edition of our blog, we’ll investigate how much you can expect to spend, whether you need planning permission, and whether your loft conversion will deliver a significant return on investment.

As a rough guide, you can expect to spend a little under £30,000 to well over £75,000 for a loft conversion.

What is a loft conversion?

A loft conversion, or attic conversion as you’ll sometimes see it referred to, is the process of transforming an existing loft space into a room that can be used by those living in the home. It could mean that your loft is converted into an office, a bedroom, a gym, a games room or even a bathroom.

Popular among many homeowners, a loft conversion uses space that may otherwise be redundant, and with rules eased at the end of 2024, it’s become even easier for a wider range of homeowners to benefit from this conversion and help drive the value of their home upwards.

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

In most cases, you will not need planning permission for a loft conversion. For the majority of properties, a loft conversion falls under Permitted Development Rights, meaning you can proceed without concern. However, some properties are exempt or require specific criteria to be met before any alterations are made. If you are unsure, you should contact the planning department of your local council and check your property deeds first.

Is a loft conversion worth it?

A loft conversion can be a worthwhile investment. Not only do you see the potential increase in property value (estimated to be around 20%) and the additional space for your household to benefit from, but you could also benefit from the room generating income from it being rented out.

Of course, you’ll also have to factor in the potential disruption such an overhaul will cause and remember that there is no guarantee that the costs will be covered when you sell your home or rent out the space.

How much will a loft conversion cost?

Loft conversions vary in price depending on the type of loft conversion you choose, the type of property you live in and where you live. The regional disparity can be significant. Where you may spend as much as £130,000 on a loft conversion in London, you could get the same type for £80,000 elsewhere!

We’ll cover the different loft types in a little more detail further down the page, but as a rough guide, you could expect to spend the following amounts on a loft conversion:

• Velux - £30,000
• Shell - £30,000
• Modular - £50,000
• Dormer -£50,000
• Hip-to-gable - £65,000
• Mansard - £65,000
• Bungalow - £80,000

It is worth noting that these prices are approximate and may vary significantly depending on the work required and any features that may be added.

What affects the cost of my loft conversion?

A host of factors may mean the price of your loft is higher or lower than expected. This is why it is recommended to add an extra 10% to your budget so that any surprise costs are covered if they arise.  Common factors that help dictate the price include:

Loft size

It’s an obvious one, but the size perhaps plays the biggest part in determining the cost of your loft conversion. The bigger the space, the more materials, and the more materials, the longer the job takes.

It may come as a surprise, but a bungalow loft conversion will normally cost more than a conversion on a detached property. With a larger footprint to cover, it is not unusual to see costs exceeding £70,000-£80,000 for a bungalow loft conversion.

Features and furnishings

No matter the purpose of your loft conversion, you’ll need to factor in flooring, insulation, glazing, heating, stairs and more. The fewer things you need, the less money you’ll be spending.

The type of loft conversion

As you’ve seen above, the type of loft conversion can greatly affect the price. A Velux loft conversion could cost half the amount of a Hip-to-gable conversion. You just need to see what works best for your property.

Where you live

We touched upon regional disparity earlier, and it can be significant. Where your friends outside of London have had a huge loft overhaul for £40,000, if you live in the capital, it is unlikely you will achieve the same alterations for the same cost.

What are the different types of loft conversions, and how much do they cost?

There are 6 main types of loft conversion used in homes across the UK, with some being considerably more common than others.

Velux loft conversion

The Velux loft conversion is the cheapest way to convert your loft. With an approximate cost of around £30,000, it is at the lower end of the scale and requires the least amount of work.

The amount of floor space is not increased as you are simply using what is already in place, and there are no structural changes to the roof other than the installation of windows in place of roofing tiles.

Shell loft conversion

A shell loft conversion is the budget version for those who prefer to do some of the work themselves. All structural work is completed, but the interior design elements are left to the homeowner or a specialist they have selected. With a vast amount of work left to the residents, the cost of the shell conversion is normally around £30,000.

Modular loft conversion

A modular loft conversion is a way to add a new loft without causing significant disruption to your property. Off-site, a unit is built and then delivered to the home where it is attached to the existing structure. These loft conversions can cost up to £50,000, but in some cases cost more.

Dormer loft conversion

The dormer loft conversion is among the most popular for houses in the UK. Suitable for most properties, it extends the existing roof to help increase floor space and headroom. You could expect to spend around £50,000 for a dormer loft conversion.

Hip-to-gable loft conversion

A hip-to-gable loft conversion is a little more expensive than the popular dormer loft conversion. Normally found on semi-detached homes, it extends the sloped side of the roof to create a vertical wall. It isn’t unusual for these loft conversions to cost £60,000 or more.

Mansard loft conversion

The Mansard loft conversion is perhaps the most expensive type available. Significant structural changes are required, and the shape of the roof is changed to help maximise space. These loft conversions can cost approximately £65,000.

How can I reduce the costs of a loft conversion?

Seeing the prices we’ve mentioned already may be putting you off. That’s understandable, it can be quite a significant outlay. However, there are a few things you can do that can shave a few pounds off the final bill.

• Research your contractors and get 3-5 quotes in advance.
• Give yourself a budget and add a further 10% to cover any surprise costs.
• DIY! There are some parts of the loft conversion that you can do yourself. Painting, laying carpet, tiling, and more can all be done without hiring expensive professionals.
• Plan the layout and furnish accordingly. You only have a certain space to work with, so investigate how you can make the most of it. Look at built-in units, under-bed storage, and ways to use those awkward corners for furniture.
• Scale back your design. Grand ideas can sometimes work with simple plans. Could you opt for a Velux loft conversion instead of a Hip-to-gable and still get what you want from it?

Have you converted your loft and now want to reap the rewards of your investment? You could always speak to Bettermove. We operate as cash house buyers and guarantee your home will sell. Even when the market is cautious and buyers aren’t active, we ensure your house sells. In fact, we sell your house fast, and on your terms, so you always remain in control. We start with an offer, and then, should you accept, we can have your house sold in as little as seven days! Speak to our team today to find out more.