London Loft Conversions

London has seen a boom in house alterations and renovations over the last few years – with loft conversions being the most popular type of extension. It seems many people are deciding they would prefer to stay put and enhance their existing home, rather than embarking on all the expense and upheaval of a move.

Nationally, one survey estimated that around a quarter of a million home owners make alterations to their properties each year, adding a total of some £6.5 billion to property values. Around half that value is in London and the South East, where total applications for home improvements in the capital were up by 15% between 2012-15.

One of the most popular areas for loft extensions is Hammersmith and Fulham, which has many semi-detached and terraced homes, where a dormer, hip to gable or Mansard roof conversion may be a suitable choice, depending on the property’s design. Another popular area is Richmond-upon-Thames, which also has a mix of semis and terraces, as well as detached homes, where roofline conversions could be the best choice of extension. Many homeowners in Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Ealing, Wandsworth and other areas of London are also opting for attic conversions to increase their living space.

Why Are London Residents Converting Their Lofts?

House prices have soared in London over recent years, making it hard for many existing property owners to move up to a bigger home. As well as using their savings or taking out a larger mortgage to cover the cost of the property itself, they also need to factor in a range of other costs and fees, including Stamp Duty Land Tax.

However, at the same time that property prices are rising out of reach for many homeowners, a large number of those living in the capital need more space. Increasingly, grown-up children are staying at home for longer, sometimes attending college or university in their own area or saving for a deposit, while many families are also caring for the older generation within the family home.

Having separate living space, including additional bathrooms, can help to make it easier for the different generations to live together, giving more privacy to individuals within the extended family. In this situation, often home extensions can be the answer, proving more cost-effective than moving to a larger property.

Many London homes have little or no space available for an extension at ground level, since there are numerous terraced and semi-detached homes, while even detached houses may well be on small plots. This can make it hard to extend outwards. Using your loft space can provide the answer, making the additional space available which your family needs. The extension could typically be used to create an extra bedroom or study, perhaps with an additional bathroom, while in larger attics another option is to create a small separate apartment, for instance for guests or a grown-up child.

As well as making your home larger and meeting the needs of your household, the loft extension will also add value to your home when it is time to sell. It has been estimated that extending the loft can add more than 20% to the asking price for a home.

Modern Attics is based in East London and carries out loft conversions all over the capital, including north, west, south and central areas. Whether you live in Wembley, Hampstead, Golders Green, Willesden, Shepherds Bush, Islington or Finsbury Park, we provide a personal service tailored to you, managing the whole project from end to end.

Loft Conversions London – Contact us now for a free initial survey to assess your attic space.