Loft Conversions Across the UK

Local rules for your loft conversion

In England and Wales, many lofts can be converted without a planning application. However, homes in conservation areas and flats are the usual exceptions. In Scotland, you need a building warrant from the council before work starts.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has its own planning rules and its own Building Regulations. So the same dormer can need a different route in Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff or Belfast. Each town page sets out the route that applies there.

What each area page covers

Every area page starts with the homes you find in that town, because the house type shapes the loft. For example, a Victorian terrace and a 1930s semi suit quite different designs. Each page then names the council that deals with planning in that area.

You will also find the conversion types that suit local homes and how a project runs from survey to sign-off. Pick your nearest town below to read the local guide. If your town is not listed, send us an enquiry anyway, since we will tell you plainly whether we can help.

Guide prices are broadly the same across most of the country. However, prices in London and the South East are typically 15–25% more than elsewhere in the UK. Each town page also links to our guides on costs, planning and party walls. As a result, you can read around the subject before you send an enquiry.