Types of Loft Conversions:
Which One Suits Your House Best?
Find the right solution to transform your unused roof space into something brilliant.
When it comes to expanding your home without the stress of moving, a loft conversion is one of the smartest and most cost-effective choices. But choosing the right type of loft conversion can feel like navigating a maze – there are several options, each suited to different roof shapes, budgets, and lifestyles..
In this guide, we break down the most popular types of loft conversions in the UK, to help you discover which one works best for your home.
Rear Dormer Loft Conversion
A rear dormer creates a box-shaped extension on the back of the roof, providing a flat ceiling and vertical walls—ideal for maximising floor space and headroom.
- Best for: Terraced or semi-detached homes with a pitched roof.
- Planning permission: Often not required if within permitted development rights
Side Dormer Loft Conversion
Similar to a rear dormer but positioned on the side of the property, making it suitable for homes with a hipped or side-facing roof.
- Best for: End-of-terrace or detached homes with a side roof slope.
- Planning permission: May be required, especially if visible from the street. Side windows often need to be obscured to meet privacy regulations.
Pitched Dormer Loft Conversion
Also known as a gabled dormer, this option features a sloping roof, offering a more subtle look that blends with traditional properties. While it provides slightly less space than a flat-roofed dormer, it’s often preferred in conservation areas.
- Best for: Homes in areas with strict planning rules or those seeking a softer aesthetic.
- Planning permission: Typically required, especially for front-facing structures.
L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion
This combines two dormers at a right angle—usually one on the main roof and one over the rear extension—forming an L shape.
- Best for: Victorian and Edwardian homes with a rear outrigger.
- Planning permission: Often falls under permitted development, but it’s essential to check with local authorities.
Mansard Loft Conversion
A mansard conversion alters the slope of your roof entirely, replacing it with a nearly vertical wall and flat roof, maximising internal space.
- Best for: Homeowners needing a full extra floor or maximum internal height.
- Planning permission: Usually required due to significant changes to the roof structure.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
Ideal for homes with a sloping side (hipped) roof, this conversion builds up the side wall to create a vertical “gable,” increasing loft space. Often combined with a rear dormer for additional room.
- Best for: Semi-detached or end-of-terrace homes.
- Planning permission: Usually permitted development, but check if your home is in a conservation area.
Rooflight (‘Velux’) Loft Conversion
The least invasive and most cost-effective option, this conversion adds Velux-style rooflights without altering the roof structure—perfect if your existing loft has good headroom.
- Best for: High-pitched roofs or homeowners with limited budgets.
- Planning permission: Rarely needed, provided the windows don’t protrude significantly.
Piggyback Loft Conversion
This specialist option involves raising the entire roof structure to add a full-height loft. It’s ideal when the existing loft space is too low to convert using conventional methods.
- Best for: Homes with shallow-pitched roofs or minimal existing headroom.
- Planning permission: Yes – due to increased height and how it changes the outlook of the property. Certain opportunities exist to add an additional level on the property in some cases.
Bungalow Loft Conversion
A game-changer for single-storey homes, bungalows are ideal for loft conversions, offering the chance to double the property size without extending outwards. Options include dormers, gable extensions, or a full roof lift.
- Best for: Bungalows with a decent existing footprint and roof structure.
- Planning permission: Depends on the extent of roof alterations. Minor changes may fall under permitted development; significant modifications typically require planning permission.
Other Loft Conversion Options to Consider
While the main types of loft conversions cover most homes, there are a few specialist or hybrid options that might be perfect for your space — especially if your home is more unusual or you’re after something more bespoke.
Modular Loft Conversion
A modern approach where much of the build is prefabricated off-site and craned into position, reducing on-site disruption and speeding up construction.
- Best for: Busy households or homes with access limitations.
- Planning permission: Usually required due to the nature of the construction.
Loft Pod / Rear Loft Room Addition
Also known as a loft pod, this compact extension is typically added over a rear outrigger or extension. It’s often used for an office or small bedroom and can sometimes be added without a full loft conversion.
- Best for: Homes needing “just one more room” without reworking the entire roof.
- Planning permission: May be needed, depending on design and placement.
Roof Ridge Lift Conversion
If your home has a very shallow-pitched roof, a roof lift raises the entire ridge height to create sufficient headroom. It’s a major project but transformative for some properties.
- Best for: Bungalows and post-war homes with low rooflines.
- Planning permission: Always required due to the significant alteration of the roof structure.
Wrap-Around Dormer Conversion
A combination of rear and side dormers, this option wraps around the roof corner to create a substantial loft space—often enough for multiple rooms.
- Best for: End-of-terrace or detached homes with a wide roof.
- Planning permission: Typically required
Hybrid Loft Conversions
Sometimes, the best solution is a mix. For example, combining a Velux rooflight with a small dormer, or pairing a hip-to-gable with a rear mansard for maximum space and style.
- Best for: Homes with unusual roof layouts or tailored space needs
- Planning permission: Varies based on the design but in some cases can be Permitted Development.
For any works to your property a detailed review of local restrictions and policies will be required. Even if you have Permitted Development rights the design will still need to accord to the details of the design criteria and were experts at optimising what you can get.
Still Not Sure Which Loft Conversion Suits Your House?
We get it — every home is different, and sometimes it takes a bit of design expertise to find the best fit. That’s where we come in.
At Inner Create, we take care of everything — from exploring options and securing planning permission to creating architectural drawings and overseeing construction. Whether your property’s Victorian, mid-century or modern, we’ll help you unlock its full potential.
Ready to get started? Book your free consultation today
Like what you’ve read? Share it and inspire someone else’s dream home journey!
For more design insights, head over to Inner Create.
Written by:
Paulina Figueroa
Marketing Executive dedicated to promoting our brand and engaging with clients. Paulina’s strategic insights and customer-focused approach enhance our community connections.
Darren Murphy
Director and Founder of Inner Create, Darren brings years of experience in architectural design and construction to each project. His hands-on approach and focus on quality ensure that every design meets the highest standards while aligning with client needs and expectations.