For terraced houses, a loft conversion is often the most practical way to add meaningful space, particularly where extending outward into the garden isn’t an option or local planning constraints make ground-floor additions difficult. The two conversions that suit terraces best are dormers and mansards, and both work well within the typical proportions of a London terrace.

Dormer Loft Conversion

A dormer is the most common choice for a terraced house loft conversion, and it’s easy to see why. Built to the rear of the property, it extends the existing roof structure to create a full-height, full-width room that’s genuinely usable rather than just technically habitable. The headroom a dormer provides makes the space flexible enough for a bedroom, bathroom, office, or all three.

Most of the structural work is carried out from scaffolding at the rear, which keeps disruption inside the house to a minimum during the build. Rear dormers on terraced houses typically fall within permitted development, so planning permission isn’t usually required, though it’s always worth confirming if your property is in a conservation area.

Mansard Loft Conversion

A mansard conversion takes a different approach: rather than adding a box-shaped extension to the rear, it reshapes the rear roof slope to an almost vertical angle, typically around 72 degrees, creating a much larger and more architecturally considered space. Mansards are particularly popular in London, where the style has a long history and tends to be well received by planning authorities.

The increased roof angle means straighter walls and more usable floor area than a standard dormer, and the design lends itself well to features like Juliet balconies or large rooflights that bring in plenty of light. Because a mansard involves altering the roof structure more substantially than a dormer, planning permission is typically required, and we handle that process alongside you from the outset.