The most common dilemma that homeowners face when it comes to needing additional living space is whether to pack and move house or invest in their current home. Both moving house and investing in a loft conversion are major decisions that require careful consideration before deciding on the best option for your household.
How Much Disruption Will a Loft Conversion Cause?
Moving house may seem like a quick and straightforward process. However, according to our research, a home’s average selling time could take 14-17 weeks. On the other hand, at CS Lofts, most loft conversions take about 8-12 weeks to build.
Many homeowners are concerned about which areas of the home will be affected during this process. However, a loft conversion is one of the easiest and least disruptive ways of adding additional living space. In most cases, the loft space, hallways, stairs, and landing are the only internal areas affected.
Is it Cheaper to Get a Loft Conversion?
A loft conversion is undoubtedly the cheaper option. The cost of a three-bedroom home could range from £517,920 in Croydon to £877,426 in Wimbledon. But what if you already live in a three-bedroom home and need an additional bedroom? Four-bedroom homes can range from £649,224 in Bexley to £1,278,611 in Greenwich.
There’s a considerable cost difference between purchasing a three or four-bedroom home, ranging from £67,390 (12%) to £401,309 (58%). Can you imagine spending an additional £400K for one extra bedroom in your home? But these aren’t the only costs associated with moving house.
There are also several fees to consider, including stamp duty, estate agent’s fees, solicitor’s fees, removals, and surveying costs, not to mention the cost of additional furnishings like curtains and carpeting. On the lower end, moving fees in Bexley average about £32,172, while on the other end of the spectrum, in Dulwich, the average cost to move house is about £67,253.
On the other hand, most loft conversions will cost between £35K and £60K, depending on the size and type of conversion you’ve chosen, a significant cost difference compared to moving.
Is it Viable to Relocate?
Additional living space isn’t the only important aspect when selecting a place to live. Your commute to work and ability to maintain social relationships with your loved ones will be affected if you move house. Also, if you’re a parent, you must consider the impact a move will have on your children’s journey to school and the emotional impact of moving house.
A home is more than just a building for most families; therefore, moving might be a difficult choice if you or your family members have a strong attachment to the home. On the other hand, a loft conversion will allow you to create additional living space while preserving the memories created in your home.
There are several advantages of a loft conversion compared to moving house. Our team at CS Lofts are experienced professionals trained to help you utilise the additional space in your home instead of leaving it behind. You can browse our portfolio for examples of our work and contact us for more information on how we can transform your space.
