Page 31 - March 2024

PROPERTY ADVICE
Moving on up If you’re adding another bedroom, you could

expect to add between £20,000 and £40,000
to the value.

“The amount of value you’ll add to your availability of natural light is poor, it might not
property will differ depending on your area, but necessarily be the right fit for a conversion
generally, if you’re adding another bedroom, project.
you could expect to add between £20,000 and
£40,000 to the value. In some high-demand Before taking the plunge, you’ll need to retain
areas, this could be even higher, as a lack of a reliable architect to help you draw up safety-
family-sized homes will push the value up. compliant plans, obtain necessary approvals,
Generally speaking, adding another bedroom and to help you decide on the type of conversion
will appeal to most – but when it comes to most suitable for your property. Depending on
selling, make sure your solicitor estate agent what you need, they can help you to create a
mentions the flexible nature of the space to space that fulfils your requirements; whether
maximise its appeal.” you’re hoping to build a luxurious principal
bedroom with an en suite bathroom, or if you’d
Generally, loft conversions can be an easier, prefer the space to be two smaller rooms,
quicker renovation to undertake than building perhaps to create an extra bedroom and a home
an extension. Plus, they usually don’t require office. As long as your property’s roof height and
the same kind of planning permission, width meet the basic requirements, you often
although this varies if your home has listed can have real freedom of choice in what you
status or is located within a conservation do with the space, but the safety regulations
area, and all loft conversions must meet remain firm, whatever you choose to do.
building and safety standards.
Check planningportal.co.uk to
confirm your local permitted
If you are crying out for extra space, perhaps your loft holds the key.
development guidelines.
f you’re stretched for space in your home, Going up into the often-neglected roof space On the flip side, converting
but you aren’t considering moving just yet, means you can potentially add an extra your loft space can cause
Ia loft conversion is a great way to create bedroom, or create the additional spaces you more disruption, with builders
much-needed extra room. need, such as an office. If your loft is left well traipsing throughout your
alone apart from retrieving the Christmas tree, property rather than sealing off
Loft conversions are a popular way to increase it could be an excellent way to increase your a space to build an extension.
the space inside your property, particularly available space and reduce the pressure on Loft conversions also require
if you have limited outdoor space, or if you other areas of your property – plus, it could more planning, and depend
own an upper property, meaning a traditional potentially increase the value of your home by heavily on the existing roof
extension wouldn’t be possible. as much as £40,000, as Lisa Connolly, Head of space to be successful. If your
Estate Agency at McDougall McQueen, explains. loft space is limited, or the

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