Dormer loft conversions in London

Covering London

Our dormer loft conversions service in London covers Brent, Islington, Bexley and Barking and more.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

What do you get with a dormer loft conversion?

A dormer loft conversion builds a box-shaped extension out from the rear slope of the roof, creating vertical walls and full head height across most of the new floor. It is the most popular type of loft conversion because it gives the most usable space for the cost.

Volume calculation and permitted development check
Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
Staircase, insulation and plasterboard

How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in London?

Guide prices for dormer loft conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

Dormer loft conversions	Guide price incl. VAT
Rear dormer, bedroom only	£50,000 to £65,000
Full-width dormer with en-suite	£60,000 to £80,000
L-shaped dormer (over rear outrigger)	£65,000 to £90,000

Do you need permission for a dormer loft conversion in London?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.

In England many loft conversions are permitted development: the extra roof volume must stay within 40 m³ on a terraced house or 50 m³ on a semi or detached house, nothing can sit higher than the existing ridge, no dormer can face a road on the main elevation, and side windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7 m. Houses in conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes cannot use these roof-extension rights, so dormers there need planning permission (a rooflight-only conversion can still be permitted development), and flats always need permission.

What should London homeowners check first?

Dormers on the front of the house facing a road are not permitted development in England.
L-shaped dormers are common on Victorian terraces with a rear outrigger.

From first call to completion

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Your questions answered

How much does a dormer loft conversion cost?

Typically £50,000 to £80,000 including VAT, and up to around £90,000 for an L-shaped dormer.

Can a dormer include a bathroom?

Yes. The full head height in a dormer makes it the best place for a shower room or en-suite.

Who deals with the council for a project in London?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in London.