How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost in London

Whether you want an extra bedroom or more space to host guests, a loft conversion can transform your London property – so it’s no wonder they’re so popular.

Below, we have taken a look at the average loft conversion costs and the range of things to take into account, such as what to do with the existing roof structure and whether building regulations need to be considered.

Average Costs for a Loft Conversion

It’s hard to give an exact cost for a loft conversion, as there are so many variables that impact the overall price. The size of the property, the size of the conversion, the type of the conversion and the amount of work required all influence the overall price, as does living in London.

As is the case with the majority of renovation and building projects, the average loft conversion price is higher in cities and urban areas. In London, the average cost of a loft conversion is about £45,000. However, depending on your project you could be paying anywhere from £30,000 to upwards of £90,000. A small and simple Velux conversion (where the existing roof space is converted to living space without extending the roof structure) will be at the lower end of this scale and a large bungalow conversion at the upper end.

Costs for Different House Type

Detached House Loft Conversion

The average cost of a detached house loft conversion in London is about £60,000, which includes labour and materials. The cost of this type of loft conversion is higher than in a semi detached or terraced house, as it usually requires more complex structural changes to the existing building.

Semi Detached House Loft Conversion

You should expect to pay around £50,000 for a semi detached house loft conversion. The cost will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, and the cost in London is likely to be higher.

Terraced House Loft Conversion Cost

Though the cost of a terraced house loft conversion varies a lot, the average cost is around £30,000 for a Velux conversion and £50,000 for a dormer conversion. A mansard loft conversion in a terraced house is higher at £65,000.

Bungalow Loft Conversion Cost

The average cost of a bungalow loft conversion is £75,000. The cost varies hugely depending on the size and complexity of the project. The average bungalow loft conversion takes between 10 and 12 weeks.

Costs of Different Types of Loft Conversion

Velux Loft Conversion

One of the cheapest loft conversion options is a Velux as they require less work. There is no need to disrupt the existing loft space or make structural alterations, which keeps the costs down. The average cost of a Velux loft conversion in London is circa £30,000.

Dormer Loft Conversion

Dormer loft conversions are hugely popular, especially in London. They consist of extending the loft space vertically from the existing roof to create extra floor space and headroom. Dormer loft conversions are typically used to add an extra bedroom and bathroom. In London, you should expect to pay between £40,000 and £50,000 for a dormer loft conversion.

Mansard Loft Conversion

A mansard loft conversion is a full-width loft conversion, and it’s a popular option for terraced houses. Whereas dormer conversions extend vertically, a mansard conversion has a flat roof with a sloping wall. Mansard loft conversions are often chosen when a large double bedroom and en suite are needed. You can expect to pay an average of £55,000.

Modular Loft Conversion

A modular loft conversion is slightly different to other types of conversion, as the new living space is created elsewhere. It is then transported to the property and attached to the existing roof. The average cost of a modular loft conversion is £50,000.

Shell Loft Conversion

A shell loft conversion is when the skeleton of the loft is completed by professionals, but the finishing touches and interior design is left to you. It’s a popular option for those who enjoy DIY and those on a limited budget. You should expect to pay around £30,000 for a shell loft conversion.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

One of the most expensive types of loft conversion is a hip to gable conversion. It’s a popular choice for detached and semi-detached homes. A hip to gable loft conversion is created using a hipped roof that slopes down to the four walls of the home. These conversions tend to be more complex, which is why they are more expensive. It’s a good way to make space for two large bedrooms and a bathroom. The average hip to gable loft conversion cost is between £50,000 and £65,000.

Loft Conversion with Ensuite

Regardless of the type of loft conversion that you are having, if you want to add an ensuite bathroom to your loft conversion, you should expect the price to increase slightly. The average cost of a loft conversion with an ensuite is between £50,000 and £60,000.

Costs Breakdown

Labour Costs

It’s hard to give an exact figure for the cost of labour, as it depends on the amount of work involved and the complexity of that work. But, the average construction costs for loft conversion is between £14,000 and £35,000. It’s one of the most expensive parts of a loft conversion, as multiple skilled and experienced tradespeople are needed. The cost of labour is likely to be higher in London and in other urban areas.

Material Costs

There’s a lot to consider when you are determining the cost of materials for a loft conversion. For example, the average cost of steelwork for a 30m2 space is £6,000. The average cost for roof coverings is £8,000, joinery is £4,500 and plastering is £2,750. There are other materials to take into consideration and the cost of these quickly adds up.

Stairs Costs

Stairs are a key part of a loft conversion, providing easy access to your new space. There are a range of options available, ranging from basic staircases to complex, quirky alternatives. A basic staircase cost would be between £1,000 and £1,500. But, if you need a staircase that is custom built, this cost will rise to between £5,000 and £10,000. For a spiral staircase, the price tends to be between £2,500 and £9,500. If you want a staircase that’s a little bit more unusual, you should budget between £400 and £850 per thread.

Flooring Costs

When you are converting your loft space, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of flooring. Though it’s important to think about how the floor will look, it’s also important to know how flooring will impact your budget. Vinyl is a popular option, as it’s cost effective at between £10 and £35 per square metre. Carpets can also be equally cost effective, with many options being as affordable as £10 per square metre, though prices can rise to around £60 per square metre.

Wood is hard wearing and long lasting, making it a good choice, and you can expect to pay between £20 and £90 per square metre, depending on your wood of choice. The same price range applies to tiles as it does wood.

Insulation Costs

It’s important that all parts of your property are properly insulated, including your loft conversion. There are a variety of insulation options, all of which come with a slightly different price tag, which is why it’s important to compare the various insulating materials available. For sheet insulation, you should expect to pay between £15 and £30 per square metre. For loose fill insulation, the cost is slightly less at £7 to £15 per square metre. Blanket insulation is the most expensive option, with an average cost between £15 and £30 per square metre.

Heating Cost

It’s important to add heating into your loft conversion budget, otherwise you could be left with a cold and uncomfortable space in your home. If you opt for underfloor heating, you should expect to pay between £450 and £1,000 depending on the size of the room.

Bat Survey

A common additional loft conversion cost is a bat survey. If you think that bats are nesting in the roof, you will need to get an official bat survey done before going ahead. Bats are a protected species and their habitats are safeguarded. As lofts and roof spaces are common nesting locations for bats, disturbing these habitats during a loft conversion could have serious implications.

A bat survey involves a thorough inspection to determine the presence of bats or any signs of their activity. If evidence of bats is found, the survey will help identify the species and how they are using the space. This information can then be used in the planning stages of your loft conversion, ensuring that the bats experience minimal disturbance.

Once you have had a bat survey done, you will get a licence to proceed with the renovations. This usually costs between £400 and £750, depending on your location and the size of your property.

Reasons to Have a Loft Conversion

There are a lot of reasons to have a loft conversion, which is why it’s a popular form of home renovation for those looking to maximise their living space. Whether you are transforming your loft into an additional bedroom or you want to create an office space, there are a lot of benefits.

Increased Property Value

A high quality loft conversion can significantly increase the market value of your property, making it a worthwhile investment. The additional living space, especially when it includes bedrooms and bathrooms, is appealing to potential buyers. This can make your home more desirable and more likely to fetch a higher price when it goes on the market.

Customised Renovation

There are a lot of options when it comes to designing a loft conversion, meaning that you can create a completely customised and personal space. You have the flexibility to create a space that meets your specific needs and reflects your style preferences.

Additional Living Space

Loft conversions provide a practical way for you to expand your living space, without having to extend the overall size of your home. It’s a way to gain extra bedrooms, a home office, a playroom or a guest area. You can enjoy additional living space, without having to extend your property’s foundations.

Make Use of Unused Space

Lofts tend to be unused spaces, mainly used for storage, but a conversion transforms them into functional living areas. This can help you to really make the most out of your home, ensuring that all space is usable.

Cost Effective

Compared to moving to a larger property, a loft conversion can be cost effective. Moving to a larger property involves a lot of costs – such as stamp duty, legal fees and removal expenses – which you don’t need to think about when you have a loft conversion.

Efficient Construction Time

Compared to a lot of other types of home extensions, loft conversions often have a shorter construction time. This can minimise disruptions to your home and daily life, whilst allowing you to enjoy your new loft conversion sooner rather than later.

Natural Light and Views

Depending on the design of your loft conversion, it can be a way to bring more natural light into the home, especially if you opt to have skylights installed. This not only enhances the look of the loft conversion, but it could also provide views, which creates a pleasant and enjoyable living space.

Future Proofing

A loft conversion is an effective way to ensure your home is ready for the future. It provides a long term solution for growing families or changing needs, ensuring that your home is ready for whatever the future brings. A loft conversion is a versatile space which can accommodate lifestyle changes without the need for further renovations.

Planning Permission

Planning fees are important to factor in as well. Often, planning permission is needed from the local authority if you want to convert your loft into a liveable and usable space. It’s a formal approval granted by your local planning authority, and it’s required for specific types of renovation or alterations to a home, including most loft conversions. It is aimed at ensuring that all domestic construction projects adhere to planning policies and regulations for the local area.

A range of things are taken into account when planning permission is being granted, such as whether the look of the conversion fits in with the surrounding environment and whether it will negatively impact your neighbours – if a party wall will be impacted, you’ll need a party wall agreement. Failure to get the necessary planning permission could result in enforcement action being taken, and the need to undo or modify the work, which can be costly.

You don’t always need planning permission, as permitted development rights sometimes come into play. These allow you to improve or extend your home without needing to apply for planning permission, in cases where only a small amount of change is being made.

DIY Vs Hiring a Professional

When you decide to have a loft conversion added to your home, you need to decide between a DIY approach and hiring a professional. Your choice will depend on various factors such as your skill level, the complexity of the project, your timeline and budget.

DIY Loft Conversion

• Save Money – A DIY loft conversion is often the cheaper way of doing things, as you don’t have to think about any manual labour fees. However, it’s important to consider whether you have the necessary skills to complete the project efficiently, or if hiring a professional is worth the extra cost.
• Flexibility – There is a certain level of flexibility that comes with a DIY project, especially in regards to decision making and execution. You have control over the timeline, design choices and materials used. When you hire a professional, they call a lot of the shots.
• DIY Experience – Taking on a loft conversion on your own can be a valuable learning experience, especially if you want to further your DIY abilities. It allows you to develop new DIY skills and knowledge about construction, building and renovation.

Professional Loft Conversion

• Expertise and Quality – Professionals bring expertise and experience to the project, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and a high quality finish. This results in a more structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing end result.
• Speedy Completion – Hiring professionals significantly reduces the time needed for completion of a loft conversion project. They are used to working quickly and their experience can streamline the entire process, speeding things up from beginning to end.
• Reduced Stress – A professional loft conversion expert can manage all aspects of the project, which reduces a lot of the stress invoiced. Instead of dealing with planning, scheduling and completing the work on time, you can hand everything over to them.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to approaching things on a DIY basis, which is why the majority of people enlist the help of a professional tradesperson.

When you hire a professional, you can relax knowing that all aspects of your loft conversion are in safe hands.

Whether you are converting your loft into an additional living space or a bedroom, a professional will be able to handle everything from beginning to end, resulting in a flawlessly finished loft conversion project.

Finding Somone to Convert Your Loft

Choosing the right tradesman or company for your project is important, especially when it comes to the long term survival and integrity of your property.

When you invest in a reputable and recommended tradesman, you prioritise your home’s structural integrity, whilst also providing peace of mind. You can relax, knowing that the issue has been addressed by an expert.

The Page

At The Page, all you need to do is submit a simple enquiry, and we will send you a list of suitable professionals who can carry out your loft conversion, just click the button below to get started:

Every tradesman at The Page is not only personally met and verified, but they are also thoroughly vetted, with a careful assessment of their previous work. As everyone’s loft conversion needs are unique, The Page provides a curated list that is tailored to match your precise requirements.

Online Search

When you embark on your quest for the perfect damp proofer, harness the power of online searches. Technology has come a long way in recent years, and you can use this to your advantage. By searching online, you can browse through a diverse pool of tradesmen and professional damp proofers, gaining insight into their expertise and past projects.

You can filter your search based on your specific requirements, such as your location, and read reviews from previous clients to make an informed decision. With a few minutes, you can connect with skilled professionals whose skills match what’s required for your project. An online search is a convenient and speedy way to find someone for your loft conversion.

Ask Around

It’s always a good idea to ask around, as sometimes, the best recommendations come from neighbours, friends, family and colleagues. When you are looking for a reliable tradesperson, take the time to tap into your social network, friends, family or colleagues who have undergone similar projects. These personal reviews give you an insight into a professional’s reliability, quality of work and professionalism.

By asking for recommendations, you not only gain valuable insights into a professional’s service, but you also benefit from the experiences of others. It increases the chances of you connecting with tradesmen who have already been approved by those in your local community.