Maisonettes are popular and desirable properties in London. They tend to have larger dimensions than many other types of property and are more common in London’s more prestigious postcodes, such as Maida Vale and in South London. It may surprise you, but if your maisonette is on the top floor of your building and there is enough roof space, you may be able to expand into the loft.
Loft Conversion for a Maisonette
What is a maisonette?
Maisonettes are common in London, comprising of two or more storeys, with their own internal staircase, they are characterised by having their own separate entrance. The term maisonette is derived from the French ‘maisonnette’ which means ‘small house’. Also known as duplexes, maisonettes were traditionally built over shops, on the ground floor of mansion blocks and were built extensively for public housing after the war, as they saved space.
Maisonettes on the ground floor tend to have their own garden. If you have a ground floor maisonette, you maybe be able to gain some extra square footage from an extension. Get a quote today for a maisonette loft conversion or any other type of loft conversion.
Party wall agreements and leasehold Maisonettes
The chances are, if you live in a maisonette, then you will have a party wall. A party wall is a wall which you share with a neighbour; if you need to make any changes to it then you will have to have a party wall agreement drawn-up with your neighbours. It is required, by law, to inform your neighbours if you wish to do any building work or changes that may affect your shared walls or boundaries.
As is common in London, many maisonettes are leasehold. To be able to expand into the loft you will need to get the permission of the freeholder to carry out the work or purchase the freehold of the roof space or attic. This can be a lengthy process, so make sure you have this sorted before you embark on a build. However, if you already own a share of the freehold, which is common if your property is in a mansion block or an older maisonette, you will need to find out who owns the freehold that relates specifically to the loft space. Your lease paperwork should tell you if you already own it; if not you must purchase the freehold from the owner.
Loft conversion Maisonette Ideas
We have a wide range of Maisonette loft conversion case studies which will provide you with plenty of ideas for your new loft conversion. Take a look below:
Loft conversion Maisonette case studies
At Simply Loft, we have completed a number of loft conversions for Maisonettes in the capital, here are just a couple of examples.
Loft Conversion for a Maisonette
Thornton Road
Located in Mortlake, near Richmond, this maisonette is part of a mid-terrace property. The owners expanded into the loft space to create an additional bedroom and full en-suite bathroom that includes a separate bath and shower. The bedroom features skylights and bespoke built-in wardrobes and cupboards that makes the most of the space available. The en-suite is a luxurious space that features a striking claw-foot bath and a walk-in shower – the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.
Glenelg Road
This Brixton maisonette is a beautiful example of how a loft conversion can transform a home. This loft conversion includes a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a connecting dressing room, to create a luxurious master suite. In the build, we used a mansard loft conversion, including installing the staircase effectively, so that it blended in seamlessly with the rest of their flat.
If you are thinking of expanding your maisonette with a loft conversion, contact us today for a free site survey.
Can a leaseholder do a loft conversion?
A leaseholder can have a loft conversion on their property, but they will need permission from the freeholder and/or other leaseholders. You may need to have your deeds reviewed by a solicitor to confirm what is required for use of the space.
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion in a maisonette?
Yes, you will always need planning permission for a maisonette loft conversion, as there are no permitted development rights for maisonettes. You will also need Party Wall Agreements and ensure you own the roof space which you wish to convert.
Can you do a loft conversion on a maisonette?
Yes, you can have a loft conversion on a maisonette. You will need planning permission from your local building authority, as you do not get lawful development rights with a maisonette. You will need to own the roof space above your property and ensure this isn’t shared with properties below.
