Guide to buying a house with a loft conversion

A loft conversion is a popular way of adding extra space and value to a property. However, buying a house with a loft conversion can also come with some challenges and risks.

This guide will help you when buying a property with a converted loft and how to sell a home with a converted loft.

What to look out for when buying a house with a loft conversion

When you are buying a home with a conversion, there are two aspects you need to check: planning permission and building regulations.

This is something that your conveyancing solicitor will be able to check for you.

Planning permission

Planning permission is the approval from the local authority that allows you to make changes to your property. Depending on the type and size of the loft conversion, it may not require planning permission.

Generally, these conversions will fall within what’s known as ‘permitted development’ rights and do not need planning permission, but they MUST meet certain criteria, such as:

• Not exceeding the highest part of the roof
• Not extending beyond the plane of the existing roof slope
• For a terraced home, this should not exceed 40 cubic metres
• For a semi- or detached home, this shouldn’t be more than 50 cubic metres
• Must not include any verandas, balconies or raised platforms
• The conversion uses materials that are similar in appearance to the existing house

However, if the converted loft doesn’t meet these criteria, then you or the seller will need to apply to the local authority for retrospective planning permission.

Fortunately, applying for permission is easy and can be done online. This process can take up to eight weeks to complete and will carry a fee. You, or the seller, will need to comply with any conditions or restrictions that the planning permission imposes.

We think it’s always best to check with the local authority whether planning permission is needed – just in case! (You could also read the Government’s guide to the technical guidance for permitted developments).

You should also check that the conversion work carried out matches the planning permission that was granted and that there are no outstanding issues or complaints.

Buying a house with an unapproved loft conversion

If you are buying a house with an unapproved loft conversion, that’s without planning permission, you should be very careful.

That’s because you may be liable for any breaches of planning control and face enforcement action from the local authority.

This could result in you having to remove the conversion, pay a fine or even face legal action.

If you or the seller can get retrospective consent, then that will be a solution.

If not, then it might be best for you to walk away from the purchase because the value and saleability of it will be affected. There will also be potential difficulties when a lender carries out a mortgage valuation.