Buying property in London can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you are investing in a market which is constantly changing, you have the opportunity to make great returns, and you would be living in one of the most sought-after cities in the world. However, if you want to personalise your home or expand your family, it can be difficult to find the space to extend your house.
A lot of city dwellers are investing in loft conversions, which is a great way to add value and space to your property. In the midst of coronavirus, loft pods gained popularity as people worked from home or needed space for home education. For some people the option of converting their loft is not an option, so what are some alternatives?
Rear extensions are popular in many rural countryside villages and towns, and can be great for extending your house, creating more rooms, and generally reshaping the property. London homes do not have the luxury of vast garden space, and so a rear extension can seem a poor option. Garden space is incredibly valuable in London, not only for property prices but also to the individuals living there, being good for mental and physical health whilst living and working in a busy city.
If eating into your garden isn’t an option, a side return extension could be for you. Side extensions use up the dead space down the sides of your property, extending your house width-ways. For many people, the space down the side of the house is home to broken plant pots, wound up hose pipe reels, or simply left to grow weeds. By choosing to extend your property into this space, you are bringing a new lease of life to wasted space and adding value to the property at the same time.
If you can afford to slightly encroach on you garden space, why not consider a wrap around extension? A wrap around extension builds on the rear of the house and the dead space to the side of the house. It can completely transform the inside space, as well as creating a smart look for the outside of your property. By changing the roofing structure of your extension, you can include skylights, which are a brilliant way of drawing more light into your kitchen space. Take a look at our Belgrade Road kitchen extension to see the effect skylights can bring to your home.
If you do opt to build into your garden with a rear extension, there are a couple of ways to accentuate your garden space. A common way to showcase back gardens following a rear extension is to use Crittall doors or bi-folding doors on the rear wall. This can frame the backdrop of your garden, with the bright greens of your garden being showcased as a further extension of your property. If you are aiming to have an open plan extension, this can be a great way of opening up your property to create that airy feel.
The most important thing to consider when investing in your property in London, is to check the local planning restrictions. In London, they can change depending on which borough you are living in, or if you are living in a conservation area. If you are unsure what property modifications you can do to your house, our experienced surveyors can answer all of your questions when you get in touch.
If you are interested in extending your property and making an investment in your home, contact us on 0800 917 7571 for no obligation, free quote.
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