Table of Contents
- How much does a loft conversion cost in Bromley?
- Add-ons to budget for
- What’s included in those prices (and what isn’t)
- What drives loft conversion cost up — or down
- Planning permission & building regulations in Bromley
- Timeline: how long does a loft conversion take?
- ROI: how much value can a loft conversion add in Bromley?
- How to choose the right loft conversion company in Bromley
- Budget-smart tips (without cutting corners)
- Example Buildaway packages (guide pricing)
- FAQs (Bromley)
- Why Bromley homeowners choose Buildaway
Bromley (BR1 & BR2) is one of South East London’s most sought-after areas, known for its excellent schools, bustling town centre, and leafy suburbs like Sundridge Park, Shortlands, and Bickley. Many of Bromley’s 1930s semis and Victorian terraces offer great potential for loft conversions, giving families extra space without needing to leave the borough. Whether you’re in a townhouse off Widmore Road or a semi near Bromley South, a loft conversion can unlock a new bedroom, office, or master suite while boosting property value.
Running out of space in Bromley? A well-planned loft conversion can add a new bedroom, an en-suite, and serious value — without the cost and upheaval of moving. This Bromley-specific guide gives you accurate 2025 price ranges, explains what’s included, what can push costs up or down, the planning and regulations you need to know, realistic timelines, ROI potential, and expert tips on choosing the right builder.
How much does a loft conversion cost in Bromley?
Pricing below reflects SE London/Bromley market rates for 2025 (labour + materials), with compliant insulation, structural work, and a quality finish.
| Conversion Type | Typical Total Range (2025) | Best For | What You Typically Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velux / Rooflight | £25,000 – £35,000+ | Fastest / most economical extra room | Structural floor & steels as required, insulation to current regs, 1–2 rooflights, plaster/paint, sockets/lighting, heating tie-in, basic joinery |
| Rear Dormer (most popular) | £35,000 – £55,000+ | Full-height bedroom + en-suite potential | Everything in Velux plus dormer structure, external cladding/roofing, more headroom/floor area, staircase, better daylight/ventilation |
| Hip-to-Gable (with or without dormer) | £50,000 – £65,000+ | 1930s semis / end-terraces with hipped roofs | Extend hip to gable, extra steels, larger usable space; often combined with rear dormer for max area |
| Mansard | £60,000 – £80,000+ | Period terraces / conservation-sensitive areas | Major roof rebuild, mansard walls/windows, high insulation, bespoke staircase, best headroom & floorspace |
Add-ons to budget for:
- En-suite fit-out: £4,000 – £8,000+
- High-spec glazing or Juliet balcony doors: £2,000 – £6,000+
- Bespoke staircase & joinery: £1,500 – £4,000+
What’s included in those prices (and what isn’t)
Typically included
- Design & structural: measured survey, structural calculations, Building Control liaison.
- Structure & floor: new joists/steels, trimmers, deck.
- Roof alterations: rooflights, dormer, hip-to-gable or mansard structure, weathering, leadwork.
- Thermal & acoustic: insulation to Part L, sound control.
- Fire safety: upgrades to Part B (linked smoke alarms, FD30 doors where needed).
- Electrics & heating: new ring/lighting circuits to Part P, radiators/towel rails, thermostatic controls.
- Plaster & finishes: plasterboard/skim, basic joinery (skirts, architraves), ready-to-paint finish.
- Staircase: standard timber staircase with balustrade, compliant to Part K.
- Compliance: Building Control inspections and completion certificate.
Common exclusions / provisional items
- Bathroom/en-suite sanitaryware & tiling.
- High-end finishes: bespoke wardrobes, crittall glazing, designer radiators, stone tops.
- Planning application fees & Party Wall surveyor fees.
- Full re-roofing beyond the loft scope.
- Rewiring of lower floors unless required.
- Decorating beyond mist-coat or basic paint.
What drives loft conversion cost up — or down
Cost drivers (push price up)
- Bigger footprint & roof form (mansard vs dormer vs Velux).
- Complex steelwork in older or altered roofs.
- Bespoke staircase layouts/turns.
- Adding bathrooms/en-suites with tiling, waterproofing, upgraded water mains.
- Large/feature glazing or Juliet balconies.
- Conservation area or planning restrictions.
- Difficult access, parking or long scaffold runs.
Ways to control cost (without cutting corners)
- Stay within Permitted Development where possible.
- Keep new plumbing stacked above existing bathrooms/kitchens.
- Use standard staircase geometry.
- Choose durable mid-range finishes and upgrade only the “touch points” (brassware, lighting).
Planning permission & building regulations in Bromley
- Permitted Development (PD): Many Velux or rear dormer projects qualify, subject to volume limits, set-backs and materials.
- Planning permission: Needed for mansards, front dormers, or homes in conservation areas.
- Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Terraces and semis usually need neighbour notices; budget £1,000–£2,000+ per neighbour for surveyor fees.
Building Regulations:
- Part A – structure and steelwork.
- Part B – fire safety (escape windows, smoke alarms, fire doors).
- Part K – staircase pitch, guarding, headroom.
- Part L – insulation/thermal.
- Part P – electrical certification.
- Ventilation – extractor requirements for wet rooms.
Timeline: how long does a loft conversion take?
- Pre-construction (design/approvals): 3–8 weeks.
- Velux build: 4–6 weeks on site.
- Rear Dormer: 6–8 weeks on site.
- Hip-to-Gable / Mansard: 8–12+ weeks.
- Snagging & sign-off: 1–2 weeks.
ROI: how much value can a loft conversion add in Bromley?
Adding a compliant double bedroom with en-suite typically adds 10–20% to property value in SE London markets. Lofts often outperform ground-floor extensions on £/m² because you’re building within existing roof space.
How to choose the right loft conversion company in Bromley
- End-to-end capability: design, structural, build, M&E, finishing.
- Transparent scope & allowances: clear PC/Provisional Sums.
- Compliance pedigree: Building Control sign-offs, Part P certificates, documented fire strategy.
- Warranty & aftercare: 18-month workmanship warranty from Buildaway.
- Local references: completed BR1/BR2 projects you can view.
- Realistic programme & site access planning.
Budget-smart tips (without cutting corners)
- Plan headroom early to avoid costly roof rebuilds.
- Design the staircase first — saves cost and awkward layouts.
- Keep bathrooms/en-suites above existing services.
- Invest in insulation & airtightness for comfort and lower bills.
- Spend on visible “touch points” like brassware and lighting.
Example Buildaway packages (guide pricing)
- Velux Room-in-Roof — £27,500–£34,500
Structural floor, rooflights, insulation to regs, standard staircase, electrics/heating, plaster finish. En-suite prep optional. - Rear Dormer + En-suite Ready — £42,000–£56,000
Dormer structure/cladding, staircase, insulation upgrades, M&E, plaster finish. En-suite fit-out typically +£4,000–£8,000. - Hip-to-Gable with Rear Dormer — £54,000–£68,000
Gable build + dormer, steels, maximised floorspace, full compliance, staircase, ready-to-decorate.
(All guide prices include labour, main materials, waste removal, and Building Control. Final quotes depend on survey, access and specification.)
FAQs (Bromley)
Do I need planning permission?
Usually no for Velux or rear dormer under PD; yes for mansard/front dormers or conservation areas.
Can I add an en-suite?
Almost always — budget £4,000–£8,000+.
Will my roof need strengthening?
Nearly always; new joists and steels are common.
Can we live at home during the build?
Yes, with some noise/dust; we maintain weather and security protection.
How do you handle fire safety?
Upgrades to alarms, protected stair route, door ratings, escape windows per Part B.
What warranty do you provide?
18-month workmanship warranty as standard.
Why Bromley homeowners choose Buildaway
Local expertise across Bromley, Shortlands, Sundridge Park & Hayes.
Compliance-first delivery (Part A/B/K/L/P, Party Wall, Building Control).
Transparent pricing with line-item scopes & allowances.
Skilled trades under one accountable team.
18-month workmanship warranty and responsive aftercare.
High-quality materials and finishes for a lasting investment.