When homeowners first begin to think seriously about a loft conversion, the imagination tends to go straight to the interior. An extra bedroom, a stylish home office, a luxury en-suite, a playroom for the children – these are the ideas that typically dominate those early conversations. And rightly so; the interior transformation a well-planned loft conversion can deliver is genuinely remarkable.
But there is another dimension worth considering, one that is all too easy to overlook when your focus is on floor plans and internal layouts. What about the space above you? What about the sky?
A roof terrace, incorporated thoughtfully into a loft conversion, has the power to completely redefine how you experience your home. It adds a layer of lifestyle that no amount of interior design can replicate – private outdoor space, open sky, and a perspective on your neighbourhood that most people never get to enjoy. In a city like London, where outdoor space is at a premium and gardens are often small or non-existent, that is an extraordinary thing to have.
Private outside space such as a roof terrace in London is a rare and popular commodity.
Many of the luxury developments popping up around the city are opting to build roof terraces that offer buyers great views as well as sought-after privacy. However, you don’t need to be a millionaire to have your own roof terrace; it could be possible, if your property allows it, to create your own as part of a loft conversion.
As we mentioned in our “Rise of the Roof Terrace” article many years ago, a roof terrace offers an all-year-round living space that can include an outside eating area, a garden, and even a place to put a hot tub. Some of London’s more luxurious roof terraces even have a swimming pool or real-life flamingos like The Kensington Roof Gardens, which also include a number of water features. So when it comes to a roof terrace in London, the sky is the limit if you’ll pardon the pun.
What Are the Options?
Roof terraces come in many forms, and the right solution for your property will depend on its structure, its orientation, and of course your ambitions for the space. Some of the most popular approaches include:
- Juliet-style access terraces – a smaller platform accessed via full-height glazed doors, perfect for properties where space is limited but the desire for light, air, and a connection to the outside is strong.
- Full wraparound terraces – where the layout of the roof allows for it, a wraparound terrace creates an expansive outdoor room with multiple aspects, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the changing light throughout the day.
- Sunken or sheltered terraces – designed with privacy and wind protection in mind, these work particularly well on exposed properties or where overlooking from neighbouring buildings needs to be considered.
- Green roof terraces – incorporating artificial turf, planters or even raised beds, turning your rooftop into a garden in the sky, with the added benefit of improved insulation and biodiversity.
- Entertainment terraces – for those who want to make a real statement, a terrace designed around a BBQ space, al fresco dining area or even a hot-tub can become the centrepiece of the home.
Loft Conversions With Roof Terrace
While your budget may not stretch to swimming pools and flamingos, it might be possible to have your very own slice of roof terrace heaven in your London home. We have picked out case studies below to show you what can be achieved with a bit of clever design.
But before you get to that stage, the most important step is to raise the idea early – ideally at your very first conversation with our team. Roof terraces require careful thought around planning permission, structural engineering, waterproofing, and access, all of which need to be factored in from the beginning of the design process rather than added as an afterthought.
Talk to Simply Loft’s design experts and let yourself do a little blue sky thinking – quite literally – about what the top floor of your home could become. Whether you have a clear vision or simply a feeling that there is more potential up there than you have yet imagined, our team is here to explore the possibilities with you.
Get in touch today and let’s start that conversation.
Biddulph Mansions, Maida Vale
This loft conversion in west London proves you don’t need a house to have a loft conversion and a roof terrace. The brief for this apartment in a seven storey mansion block was to create two loft conversions, with a roof terrace connecting the two.
Twin apex skylight doors with custom made steps gives the owners access to a beautiful decked roof terrace that offers views over the local area. This 12-week build also gave the property two additional bedrooms, a bathroom and a small study area.
Princes Riverside Road
Located in Rotherhithe in Southwark, this loft conversion with roof terrace completely transformed a 6th storey apartment. The 14-week project also created two bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom and a second bathroom, as well as the roof terrace.
Created in an outside space just off the bedroom, this roof terrace provides a private area for the owners to relax. The use of bi-folding doors brings the outside in and lets light flood the room. The reinforced glass light well embedded in the floor of the terrace also lets light penetrate into the kitchen below. The hallway, staircase, living room and kitchen were also extensively refurbished during this build.
At Simply Loft, we offer a free initial site survey that can help us determine whether a roof terrace London is possible. If the planned changes are possible from a structural point of view, you may have to apply for planning permission, especially if the roof terrace will overlook a neighbour’s property. If it does not overlook anyone’s house or garden then you may not need planning permission to carry out the works. Every borough has its own specific rules and we are equipped to help you through the entire planning process. If you would like a London Loft Conversion with a roof terrace then contact us today.
How do I incorporate a roof terrace as part of my loft conversion?
The most important thing is to raise it at the very beginning of your project – ideally at your first consultation with Simply Loft. Incorporating a roof terrace is far more straightforward when it is designed into the project from day one rather than explored as an afterthought once other decisions have already been made. Our design experts will assess your property, talk you through the realistic options, and help you understand what is achievable within your budget and timescale. Get in touch today to arrange your initial consultation and start exploring what the top floor of your home could really become.
How does a roof terrace affect the cost of a loft conversion?
Adding a roof terrace will increase the overall project cost, primarily due to the additional structural work, waterproofing membrane, drainage systems, glazed balustrades, and planning fees involved. However, it is worth considering this in the context of the value it adds – both to your daily life and to your property. Private outdoor space in London commands a significant premium, and a well-designed roof terrace can meaningfully increase the market value of your home. Our team can give you a clear picture of the likely costs for your specific project so you can make an informed decision.
What can I actually do with a roof terrace – how much space will I have?
This varies considerably from property to property, but even a modest roof terrace can deliver a genuinely usable outdoor space. A smaller terrace might comfortably accommodate outdoor seating and a dining table, while a larger one could include a hot tub, raised planters, an outdoor kitchen, or a sheltered lounge area. The key is designing the space with purpose from the beginning, making sure access, drainage, balustrade design, and waterproofing are all integrated into the overall loft conversion plan rather than treated as additions. Our design team will help you make the most of whatever footprint your property can offer.
Will my property be suitable for a roof terrace?
Not every property is a straightforward candidate, but more homes are suitable than people tend to assume. Suitability depends on a number of factors including the existing roof structure, the pitch and layout of your roof, the orientation of the property, and the relationship to neighbouring buildings. A flat or low-pitch roof section is often the starting point, but our designers have found creative solutions for a wide range of property types. The best way to find out is to speak with Simply Loft early in your planning process – before any assumptions are made about what is or is not possible.
Do I need planning permission for a roof terrace on a loft conversion?
In most cases, yes. While many loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, adding a roof terrace almost always requires a full planning application. This is because a terrace introduces new overlooking potential for neighbouring properties, which planners will want to assess carefully. The good news is that planning permission for roof terraces is granted regularly across London, particularly where the design is sympathetic to the surrounding area and privacy concerns have been properly addressed. Our team has extensive experience navigating this process and can advise you on the likely prospects for your specific property from the outset.
