UK cost guide

Loft Conversion Cost UK 2026

Current UK loft conversion costs for Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard, shell-only and bungalow projects, with 30m² comparison ranges.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning costAbout £50,000 for a typical conversion
Broader project range£22,500–£80,000 for common 30m² types
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

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Compare Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard costs →

What affects the cost?

Current Checkatrade 2026 benchmarks vary sharply by conversion type. For a typical 30m² project, a Velux conversion is around £22,500–£30,000, a dormer £40,000–£60,000, hip-to-gable £50,000–£70,000 and mansard £50,000–£80,000. Roof structure, staircase position, usable area, structural steel, bathroom specification and location are major variables.

  • Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard or shell-only type
  • Usable new floor area
  • Roof structure and existing head height
  • New staircase position and specification
  • Structural steel and roof alterations
  • Ensuite, electrics, heating and finish level
  • Region, access and scaffolding

Typical cost breakdown

Velux / rooflight · 30m²£22,500–£30,000
Dormer · 30m²£40,000–£60,000
Hip-to-gable · 30m²£50,000–£70,000
Mansard · 30m²£50,000–£80,000
Shell-only · 30m²£22,500–£37,500
Bungalow conversion · 50m²£62,500–£87,500

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£44,800–£108,800
Manchester£32,900–£79,900
Birmingham£34,300–£83,300
Glasgow£33,250–£80,750
Cardiff£31,850–£77,350

Loft conversion costs by location

Open a detailed city page to see the same national benchmark adjusted through the transparent regional model, with local planning considerations and worked examples.

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Loft Conversion Cost: 2026 UK Price Guide & Breakdown

Published / checked: March 2026

Used for: Loft conversion type benchmarks

View source ↗
Office for National Statistics

Construction output price indices

Published / checked: 13 August 2026

Used for: Construction price trend and update checks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in 2026?

Checkatrade’s current 2026 table gives about £40,000–£60,000 for a typical 30m² dormer, with an average around £50,000. Size, region, staircase work and specification can move a real quote outside this range.

What is the cheapest type of loft conversion?

A Velux or rooflight conversion is usually the lowest-cost option because it retains more of the existing roof shape. Checkatrade’s 30m² benchmark is about £22,500–£30,000.

How much is a mansard loft conversion?

The current 30m² benchmark is about £50,000–£80,000, with an average around £65,000. Mansards involve substantial roof reconstruction, so planning and structural complexity can be significant.

Does a loft conversion need Building Regulations approval?

Yes. Loft conversions must comply with Building Regulations. Planning permission requirements depend on the property and proposed roof alterations, so check the project-specific position before work starts.

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