Although in most cases planning permission is not required, if you live in a listed building or conservation area you will have to gain specific planning permission from your local authority. Planning permission is also required for mansard and Hip to gamble conversions. If you would like to know more contact us for free advice

Permission to build

Having the planning permission can add value to the property, even if you don’t carry out the loft conversion. However if you do have sufficient funds it is often better to carry out the work as buyers often have problems visualizing plans.

Ensure you do not end up with a glorified storage room

To be classed as a living space, such as an extra bedroom it is essential that the loft conversion has a proper staircase. Stable staircase leading up to the loft, is the first thing your loft will need to have, in order for it to add value to the property. If you want the loft conversion to be viewed as an additional room, the staircase will need to be part of the house and will not be allowed to be temporary. Bear in mind that it should not look or feel like an add-on because it’s a staircase that makes a conversion appear as it is part of the original house.

Insulation

Make sure the walls in the loft are structurally sound and form part of your property. They will need to be permanent walls and built into the property. You will also need to make sure that the room is fully functional and you have electricity and electrical sockets in the loft. It doesn’t matter if your loft extension is not furnished, in fact this could even work in your benefit, but you need to show that it can function as a bedroom or whatever the new occupier intends.

Consider a bathroom
If you are increasing your property to four or five bedrooms consider adding an ensuite shower room as people will expect two bathrooms in a house this size.

Central Heating

Nowadays, central heating is considered a standard feature and will not add much value, however, not having central heating causes an average 7 per cent lower value of the property.

Other things to consider

According to Nationwide Location is the key factor in house price. A house in the best neighborhood can command a price a third higher than a similar house in an ‘average area’.

If you are a property developer looking to make some profit from the property, then contacting local estate agents should be your first move when making decision on a renovation, as they will be able to tell you what the local market demands.

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