Loft Conversion in Flats

Loft Conversion in Flats

Loft Conversion Specialists for Flats

Loft Conversions Company manages every aspect of loft conversion from drawing architectural plans right through to completion of all finishing trades, leaving the completed Loft Conversion ready for decoration. As Flats's leading Loft Conversion specialist, we have been transforming homes for over two decades building hundreds of fantastic living spaces to suit your lifestyle and needs. With us, you will get a cost-effective Loft Conversion that will add value to your property in Flats.

LOFT CONVERSION FOR FLATS IN LONDON

LOFT CONVERSION FOR FLATS IN LONDON

Are you looking to add a loft to your flat and make it more useful? You have come to the right place. Loft Conversion Company has an in-house design and planning team to cater for your new loft conversion. From a simple Dormer, L-shaped to a Mansard and Velux, we are here to cater to all your needs.
Loft Conversion Company promises to help you assess and examine the potential of converting your house into self-contained flats or developing a loft on top of your flat. Our surveyor will advise you on budget and timescale, while our architect will evaluate the flat's potential for a successful conversion.

Add Space to your London Flat

We are seeing an enormous increase of interest from Londoners who live in flats and purpose built Maisonettes, who want to turn their loft spaces into creating an extra bedroom, bathroom or office, at the same time boosting the value of their flat.
A loft conversion in a flat is the most effective method of gaining that extra space, but be aware of the legal issues or complications that may arise.

What exactly does 'share of freehold' mean when it comes to owning a Flat.

Most Estate agents in London do a fantastic job at selling a flat at a higher price that comes with a share of freehold, however they do not explain to you all the pitfalls with regards to decision making or control of the property. Even if you have a share of freehold, you'll still require the permission from other freeholders prior to converting the loft.

The landlord's consent.

The majority of leases allow for minor modifications to be made within the flat, they prohibit any major structural change without the approval from the owner. The freeholder is under no obligation to give consent , but would have an interest in preserving the structure of the flat and the loft conversion could affect this. So, they'd first need to perform their own due diligence of the drawings for your loft conversion and structural calculations using their own third-party surveyor.

The Ownership of the Loft

It's fair to say that the majority of leases don't mention the loft as being part of the flat, so you are not entitled to use it, not even to store the suitcases, let alone to convert it into a loft. The first step is to understand that you'll have to purchase the rights to the loft area from the property's freeholder. The freeholder is likely to view the importance that the loft space has to you and will be asking for a fair compensation. The freeholder isn't under any obligation to sell but like in most cases they will. All in all, that's why they're involved in freeholding.

Airspace ownership above Flats

Did you know that the airspace above and around your flat's roof might not even belong to you? You need to seek permission from the freeholder if you intend to undertake a dormer loft conversion. Even if your lease mentions ownership of the loft, it may not refer to the ownership of the airspace around the loft area. This is not a deterrent to converting your loft, just something that you need to be weary of. The above issue does not apply to velux/roof light loft conversion.

Roof maintenance in Flats

It is normal that the responsibility for maintaining the flat's roof is split between the leasees. If you are undertaking a loft conversion in your flat, it's imperative for you to seek freeholder's permission prior to starting any work on the roof. You will take full responsibility of the roof maintenance going forward and this will be reflected on the insurance and lease amendment.

Insurance

A loft conversion in a flat will increase the footprint of your property. With this in mind, the freeholder will take this consideration into the annual insurance premium, where say your flat may have occupied 25% of the whole footprint earlier and now after the loft conversion a new premium will be calculated in line with the size of your flat.

Interference with other building services.

In many flats the loft area usually holds the communical cold water storage cistern serving several flats. Moreover, the flats with central heating often are served by a feed and expansion tank that is more likely to be situated in the loft area. The other flat owners will need access to these services for maintenance, so you need to keep this in mind and check with your freeholder of any limitations within the loft development.
Converting a flat in the Loft can sound like a daunting and a long-winded process but our team is on hand to help and guide you from the start to the completion.
As one of London's Top Loft Conversion Company, we have unparalled experience and dedicated to our work, allowing our clients to convert their lofts legally and safely.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A LOFT CONVERSION IN A TOP FLOOR FLAT?

Yes, it is! Though the process may not be as easy and efficient as a loft conversion in a house, opting for a loft conversion if you currently live in a flat is still a doable project. By getting a loft conversion, you can add space to your current property which is a premium feature if you live in London. Contact the team we have at Loft Conversions Company and we will lay out to you the attainable, stunning results you can get when you decide to have a loft conversion on your flat.

DO I NEED TO SECURE A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT?

Unlike having a loft conversion in a house where you only need to secure one or two party wall agreements, with a loft conversion in a flat, you’ll be required to obtain multiple party wall agreements to make sure that all parties concerned are properly informed of your intentions in converting a loft. By letting them know of your construction plans, we may be able to avoid disputes and experience a smooth sailing loft conversion process. We will also be able to pay extra attention to the likes of soundproofing so as to not disturb your neighbors too much.

IS PLANNING PERMISSION A REQUIREMENT FOR THIS LOFT CONVERSION?

A loft conversion in a flat is not considered allowed to commence without planning permission as flats do not have the right to permitted development as houses do. But if you’re willing to go through the lengthy process, we will need to submit the complete building plan to your local council so we will be granted planning permission. The plan must comply with building regulations and must indicate fire safety protocols such as the fire escape route which can be complicated to devise since the space you own is limited and you may need to obtain the permission of the residents below you to use the space around their properties, as well as the council and freeholders. Additionally, apart from the concise development plan, your local planning authority will also ask you to provide services for the other residents on the property, such as moving water tanks housed in the loft or relocating pipes to other properties as required.

WHAT TYPE OF LOFT CONVERSION IS SUITED FOR A FLAT?

Since you can only do so much in having a loft conversion in a flat, the best type to go for is a roof light loft conversion. Unlike the other types that will build a whole structure on your flat, with a roof light loft conversion you can enjoy an added space without going through so much paperwork and hassle. You can have a dedicated study area that features natural lighting when you opt for this kind. Or a cozy extra bedroom that’s comfortable and warm thanks to the insulators installed on the floors and walls. And because it will only require minimal alterations, you won't need to be wary of airspace ownership which makes the process of a loft conversion in a flat more complicated.

IS THERE A REQUIRED ROOF HEIGHT FOR A LOFT CONVERSION IN A FLAT?

You must get this height by measuring from the floor to the highest point of the ceiling. If you ever fail to have this measurement on the room where you want the loft conversion to occur, the project is still feasible considering you’re aware of the additional expense you have to shoulder and the delay it may cause to accomplish the home upgrade.

WILL A LOFT CONVERSION ADD VALUE TO MY PROPERTY?

Acquiring an added value to your current property is a definite perk once you opt for a loft conversion. And it doesn’t change even if that property is a top-floor flat. However, you must make sure that the construction process of the loft conversion totally complied with the standard building regulations as you don’t want to waste the money and effort you spent on this home upgrade. You don’t have to worry though if you’ll employ the team we have at Loft Conversions Company as we’re experienced enough to build you a loft that’s safe and completely habitable. Our builders and tradesmen will be truly dedicated to the project so you can already enjoy living in your new space.

HOW MUCH DOES A LOFT CONVERSION COST IN in Flats?

The average cost of a Loft Conversion in in Flats is between £40,000 to £90,000. (in 2022) The most common type of Loft Conversion is the dormer as it adds the most space and best light to your property. A loft conversion will not only give you extra space but also enhance your living space on your property. A loft conversion price depends on many factors such as type of the conversion, type of the roof you have, type of the lighting you want in the loft, the type of windows required, the size of the project, fixtures and fittings, nature of the exterior, client's personal requirements and the site's location. If you want to know the exact cost of your Loft Conversion in in Flats, you will need to book a site survey or send us your drawings and our loft specialist will review them and get back to you with a quotation.

What can we do for your Property in in Flats?

If you would like to discuss the ways in which a Loft Conversion could enhance your in Flats home, call us on 0208 1020 675 or email to ask us any questions. For a free site survey and design consultation please fill out the form on the right and our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.