Creating a boarded and easily accessible loft could add almost £18,000 to the value of a four-bedroom home, research published by loft storage specialist LoftZone claims.
A survey of 500 property professionals estimated that usable roof space adds an average of £17,677 to a four-bedroom property, £13,821 to a three-bedroom home and £9,867 to a two-bedroom property.
Almost 88% of respondents said homeowners are increasingly seeking cost-effective improvements, while 43.6% reported that sellers now favour lower-cost work over major renovations.
Creating usable loft space was named the home improvement offering the best return on investment by 31.6%, ahead of extensions at 24.6% and solar panels at 22.2%.
SPACE EFFICIENCY
It also tied with modernising the kitchen as the improvement most likely to accelerate a sale, with both selected by 51% of respondents.
The findings suggested buyers are paying greater attention to how efficiently homes use their available space.
Some 80% of property professionals said buyers scrutinise space efficiency more closely than five years ago, while 52% claimed loft space is considered non-negotiable by some house-hunters.
More than half said buyers had reduced an offer where the loft was not functional, while 45% had seen prospective purchasers decide against making an offer.
UNDERVALUED SPACE
Peter Thum-Bonanno, Co-founder of GetAgent, says: “Lofts are one of the most undervalued spaces in a property. In line with wider market trends, buyers are focused on practicality. A loft that is safe, accessible, and genuinely usable justifies higher asking prices and increases buyer confidence.”
Dave Raval (main picture inset), chief executive officer of LoftZone, adds: “There is a strong case for making the most of every square inch of your home.
“For those with lofts, this translates directly into cash. It doesn’t take much work to unlock this value through creating a welcoming, functional space that keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.”
LoftZone advises sellers to use a raised flooring system above the insulation, install suitable lighting and organise stored belongings to demonstrate the available space.
It also recommends improving the loft’s appearance and ensuring the hatch and ladder operate smoothly.
Homeowners should obtain professional advice before carrying out structural alterations or presenting loft storage as habitable accommodation.
