Converting loft into 1 bed flat

alext2784

Hi all,

We currently own the lease on an upsatirs 2-bed flat of a converted terrace in South London. Our lease includes the loft space above which is currently undeveloped. When we bought the flat we always intended to perform a loft conversion to turn it into a 3-bed and obtained consent from the freeholder to do this.

However, recently we have been toying with the idea of turning the loft into a separate 1 bed flat. In order to provide access to the flat we would have to wall off our current hallway and turn it into communal space.

We were wondering if those with experience in this area could give us an idea of whether this is really feasible/practical? Or whether we should stick to the original idea of just adding an extra room?

We have already identified some potential difficulties such as getting permission from the owner of the downstairs flat and getting permission from the freeholder (we may have to buy the freehold if they cause problems). Are there any other things we should consider?

We estimated that to simply turn our loft into an extra room would cost around £45k. How much more do you think it would cost to turn it into a flat?

The main goal would be maximise the increase in value we get from any development we do.

Any help would be much appreciated.

kinger101

You'll need to consider how much of the loft space can be walked around in. One might tolerate a bedroom with restricted height at the eaves, but it might be less suited for a flat.

I'm guessing you'll need at least 350 sq. ft of "standing" space for a 1 bed flat.

alext2784

Thanks for the quick reply.

The loft is big enough and we've discussed the idea briefly with an architect friend who says it would be possible.

What we don't have much experience in is the regulation/permissions side of things, particularly considering that even if we bought the freehold, we would only own a share of the freehold because of the flat downstairs.

Has anyone else done anything similar?

Doozergirl

Only done it as a freeholder. I really think you would have to buy the freehold as the current freeholder would have to issue a new lease and I am sure, take a handsome cut, if not the bulk of profit.


Converting to a flat is a great deal more work and cost. Fireproofing and soundproofing to start with. The escape route through the entire building may have to be upgraded to meet current regs and it's also possible that your flat may have to be upgraded to current regs if building control see it like your flat is being divided to create the new one. They may look at it like two new dwellings rather than one.

Dedre

You would need to check the terms of your lease to determine if there is a requirement to give notice to sublet whole or part of the property. Maybe check whether you need to let your mortgage company know as well?

On the technical side as Doozergirl has said, you would likely need to upgrade the entire escape route to form a 30 (possibly 60) minute protected fire escape. This would involve fitting door closers / smoke seals on your neighbour's flat so you would probably need their buy-in to. I think you would need to do all of this even if you were just converting it to a bedroom for your own occupation (although maybe not if it was a 'non-sleeping' room).

davidmcn

You'll need planning permission to create an additional dwelling (and possibly for any external works) - have you checked what the local policies are about that? May well attract objections from neighbours if concerned about extra residents and effect on parking/bins/etc, and the council may require payment of developer contributions.

tim123456789

Doozergirl wrote: »

Only done it as a freeholder. I really think you would have to buy the freehold as the current freeholder would have to issue a new lease and I am sure, take a handsome cut, if not the bulk of profit.

except that you can't buy the FH without the owner of the other flat being give his right to 1st refusal for a joint enfranchisement.


and then he would want his share of the profit for giving permission (well he would, if "he" were "me")