If you’ve found you’re running low on space in your home, and you aren’t keen on moving out, you may be considering moving up instead, with the help of a loft conversion.
Although a loft conversion isn’t a cheap option, it’s considerably more affordable than a house move or extension, not to mention that it’s quicker and less disruptive! You may feel apprehensive about the cost of a conversion, but we’re here to lay out how much a loft conversion does actually cost in 2024, as well as the various factors that can affect its price.
Key Takeaways
- On average, a UK loft conversion, in 2024, will cost about £40,000.
- Factors that impact price include: size, conversion type, location and any finishing touches added.
- The three most affordable styles are: shell loft conversions, standard conversions and velux conversions.
- The most expensive loft conversions are: bungalows, dormers and Mansard conversions.
Average Cost of a Loft Conversion in the UK
The average cost for a loft conversion in 2024, in the UK, is around the £40,000 mark, however this will vary depending on factors such as location and style. Other considerations you will need to bear in mind that could cause a fluctuation in price include:
- The style of the loft conversion
- The size of the conversion
- Existing roof structure
- The experience of your builders
- The duration of the project
- The quality of the materials
- The finish you want
- Your location
Usually, a loft conversion will take around 8 weeks to complete but you will need to allow time for planning permission in some cases. There will also be an application fee, if planning permission is required for your conversion, that will need to be included in your budget.
Unsurprisingly, as a rule, the larger your loft conversion is and the more premium its finish, the higher the cost is likely to be.
Types of Loft Conversion
One of the biggest influences on the average price of a loft conversion is the type of conversion you want. Here, we provide you with some average costs of different types of loft conversions:
How Much is the Cost of a Loft Conversion: at a Glance
| Conversion Type | Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £17,000-£45,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| Velux | £27,500 | 4-6 weeks |
| Dormer | £30,000-£75,000 | 5-7 weeks |
| Hip-to-Gable | £55,000 | 6-9 weeks |
| Mansard | £45,000-£75,000 | 7-8 weeks |
| Bungalow | £75,000 | 10 weeks |
| Shell Loft | £17,500 to £30,000 | 8-10 weeks |
| Modular | £50,000 | 4 weeks |
1. Standard Loft Conversion
A basic loft conversion is the most affordable of them all and for a small loft, you’ll be looking at around £17,000 for the work to be completed.
Again, this will fluctuate depending on your house type; for instance, a large semi-detached loft conversion with a roof light will cost around £38,000, compared to £45,000 for a fully-detached property.
2. Velux Conversion
Another affordable option is to opt for a Velux loft conversion. They come with minimal disruption, however, they also increase space the least out of any conversion type, as there’s no change to the roof structure. This means that, typically, they are best-suited to larger loft spaces. The average cost of a Velux loft conversion is about £27,500.
A dormer loft conversion is the most expensive variety and can cost anywhere between £30,000 and £75,000. This is a great choice for those wanting to increase headspace as it creates dormer window structures that overhang out of the existing roof, providing much-needed extra space!
A dormer conversion is also the most popular type for Londoners as it adds extra space and light in this urban setting. On average, in 2024, the cost of a dormer loft conversion in London is between £45,000 and £90,000.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion alters the roof structure shape to increase space. The current top line of the roof is extended to the edge of the property to create an extra box shape to the roof.
This type of conversion is only suitable for semi-detached or detached properties that have sloping, hipped roofs. The average cost for a hip-to-gable conversion is around the £55,000 mark.
Opting for a Mansard loft conversion will see the entire roof shape alter, with the result being a flat roof and vertical outer walls. Whilst this loft conversion is the type that offers the most space, it is also one of the most expensive as a result of the extensive work needed to be carried out. On average, a Mansard loft conversion will be priced between £45,000 to £75,000.
Bungalows offer a great opportunity for loft conversions and to turn the property from a one-storey home to a two-storey. Offering vast amounts of extra space, they’re typically much larger conversions than those carried out in houses, with the price averaging at around £75,000.
This is the most basic loft conversion where all major structural work is carried out, such as floors, joists, and dormers, but the interior design and other finishes are left to a third party (or yourself) to complete. Particularly suited to homeowners who love a spot of DIY, and like the idea of finishing off the project themselves, the average cost of a shell loft conversion is between £17,500 to £30,000.
Modular loft conversions are built using a premade unit that’s constructed away from the project site and then attached to a property’s existing roof. These can be quite complicated, despite their simple -sounding nature, with some issues including weather delays and the potential need for a road closure permit when the modular attachment is delivered. On average, a modular loft conversion will cost about £50,000.
Of course, it isn’t just the type of loft conversion that will impact the price. Ultimately, the scale of the plans you have in place for your loft will be what affects how much a loft conversion costs. Other factors that will have an impact on the cost of a loft conversion include:
It probably goes without saying, but the bigger the size of your conversion, the higher the price tag will be. We would always recommend saving for the size you want from the outset, rather than opting for something smaller because you can afford it now, and then needing to re-do work further down the line at greater expense.
There are various different materials you can use for a roof, from tile to felt, and these will all vary in cost. The most expensive option would be roof tiles that can be priced from £1-£3 per tile.
The type of window and the glazing finish will also alter the cost. Triple-glazed windows will be more expensive than double-glazed, for instance, but will be more energy-efficient, which could save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Window frame types and materials can also bump up the cost.
Before the construction of your loft conversion begins, it’s important that you know what your room will be used for as this will affect your need for planning permission and the total price. When it comes to how much it costs to convert a loft into a room in the UK, the price will increase with the functionality of it. For example, a simple storage room will be relatively inexpensive in comparison to a bedroom that has an ensuite and dressing room with built-in wardrobes.
If you have a party wall, which stands on the land of two owners to form part of a building, you must let your neighbours know about your loft conversion. This can add as much as £1,000 on top of your other costs.
When embarking on your loft conversion project, you may find you need to seek advice from an architect or structural engineer.
Structural engineers will assess that the house is, structurally, safe for a loft conversion to be carried out. They can cost anywhere between £100-£200 per hour. If they create a plan for you, this can be between £750 and £2,200, but this normally includes a site visit, calculations and drawings.
Architects will draw up your project plans, as well as provide advice about the best way to utilise the space and maximise lighting. They will also be able to inform you on planning permission laws with your local council. On average, using an architect for your loft conversion plans will cost between £2,000 and £4,000.
In many cases, scaffolding will be required to complete your loft conversion as this is work from height that can’t be completed with ladders alone. Scaffolding can also provide further structural support when work is being completed.
A loft conversion generates a large amount of debris, some of which cannot just be disposed of with ordinary rubbish. You may want to arrange for a skip for the duration of your work, or contact a local, registered waste collection service as and when required.
Once the building of your loft conversion is complete, the work doesn’t stop there as you will need to add finishing touches such as electrics, plumbing, flooring, plastering and decorating. The price of this will vary depending on the work you need completing but there are some loft conversion companies that will be able to do all of this for you, in addition to the construction side.
There aren’t any specific calculations or tools that can give you an exact cost for your loft conversion as, naturally, everyone’s wants and needs will vary. If you are looking to get a rough guide on the price of your loft conversion vision, though, we’ve compiled a breakdown of loft conversion costs. If you were having a dormer loft installed that is roughly 30m2, prices would be as follows:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Staircase | Basic: £1,000-£1,500Custom design: £5,000-£10,000Spiral: £2,500-£9,500 |
| Fixed ladder (instead of stairs) | £200-£500 |
| Flooring | Vinyl: £15-25 per m2Wood: £20-£85 per m2Carpet: £10-£65 per m2 Tiled: £50-£100 per m2 |
| Insulation | Sheet: £15-£30 per m2Loose-fill: £7.50-£15 per m2Blanket: £14-£29 per m2 |
| Labour costs (day rates) | Builder: £250 per dayTiler: £225 per dayPlasterer: £250 per dayDecorator: £180 per dayPlumber: £280 per dayElectrician: £280 per day |
| Electrics | £500-£1,000 |
| Beams, joints, and masonry | £1,500-£4,000 |
| Bathroom suite and fixtures | £4,500-£6,000 |
| Underfloor heating | £450-£1,050 |
| Decorating materials | £1,000-£2,000 |
| Built in cupboards | £2,500-£10,000 |
| Architect plans | £500-£2,500 |
| Building regulations | £500-£1,250 |
| Planning permission application fee (if applicable) | £202-£206 |
| Moving of water tank | £750 |
| Exterior painting | £1,200 |
| Cladding | £2,000 |
| Rendering | £4,000 |
Simply put, yes. A well-built loft conversion will add anywhere between 10% and 20% to the value of your home. It will vary depending on the use of the room, but the most valuable addition is an extra bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
If you’re considering adding space to your home, then the chances are you’ve considered both an extension and a loft conversion. On average, a loft conversion is cheaper than an extension, however, if you plan to make changes to the roof structure or add a dormer into the mix then this will increase the overall cost.
Typically, the construction of a loft conversion takes around 8 weeks to complete, but much like cost, this will differ depending on the type of conversion you opt for. It is also worth noting that planning permission can take up to 13 weeks to be approved.
Some contingency will always be factored in for potential challenges occurring during your build; sometimes unexpected issues arise that are not accounted for in the price. For instance, if your home has been adopted as a shelter by bats.
It is always worth pre-empting situations like this where possible, for example, in the case of bats, a survey before work starts would cost around £750. We would also always recommend setting aside some additional cash just in case other issues crop up.
In terms of types of loft conversion, the cheapest would be a shell loft conversion as the builders will take care of all the construction elements but all finishing elements are completed by the homeowner or a third party. This gives you more control over the costs and you can search for the most cost-effective ways to complete your conversion, but it will require more of your time.
If you are looking to keep the costs down but still use a construction company, then consider using an all-in-one loft conversion company (such as ourselves) rather than using several separate tradespeople for the different parts of the construction.
When it comes to the cost of a lost conversion, it is clear that the price will vary depending on the style, size and finish you want. Although they may seem like an expensive outlay initially, the average loft conversion cost is more affordable than both extensions and house moves. Loft conversions do also add value to your property, making it a great way to increase your space as well as your equity.
