Journal and Insights

Expert guidance on extensions, loft conversions, planning, costs, and home building in London.

Featured Article

How Much Does a House Extension Cost in London?

Typical London extension costs: side return, rear 30 m² and wraparound starting bands. Per square metre rates and what to budget beyond the build.

8 January 202610 min read

Technical Guides

Kitchen Extensions in London

A practical guide to kitchen extensions for London homes. How they work on terraces and semis, layout choices, light, islands, planning and typical costs.

18 August 202610 min read

Advice & Comparisons

Loft Conversion vs Extension: Which Is Right for Your Home

Loft or extension on a London home? Bedroom in the unused loft versus kitchen into the garden. Published costs, the stair, and the garden you keep or lose.

7 March 20269 min read

Advice & Comparisons

Rear Extension vs Wraparound Extension: Which Is Right for Your Home

Rear or wraparound on a London terrace? Depth versus the side passage, island versus no island, garden you keep or lose. Rear from £55,000; wraparound from £70,000.

7 March 20268 min read

Cost Guides

Does a Loft Conversion Add Value in London?

Does a loft conversion add value in London? Yes — often around 1.5× the build cost. Typical prices, what drives the return, and one real Isleworth example.

7 March 20268 min read

Cost Guides

Does a House Extension Add Value in London?

Does a house extension add value in London? Yes — often around 1.5× the build cost. What drives the return, typical prices, and one real Isleworth example.

7 March 20268 min read

Technical Guides

Side Return Extension Guide for London Homes

A side return on a London terrace: the bins alley, the thin kitchen, roof lights on the new strip, island versus a deeper galley. From £35,000. Planning at a high level.

7 March 20269 min read

Cost Guides

Loft Conversion Guide for London Homes

A practical guide to loft conversions for London homes. Dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard types, the stair, planning and typical costs.

23 February 202612 min read

Cost Guides

How Much Does a House Extension Cost in London?

Typical London extension costs: side return, rear 30 m² and wraparound starting bands. Per square metre rates and what to budget beyond the build.

8 January 202610 min read

Planning & Regulations

Removing a Load-Bearing Wall: Planning, Building Control and the Party Wall Act

Usually no planning to remove an internal wall. Listed consent, Building Control and the Party Wall Act can still apply. A London homeowner consent guide.

18 August 20268 min read

Planning & Regulations

The 10 Year Rule for Loft Conversions

Planning 10-year rule for loft conversions: 4-year and 10-year enforcement clocks from 25 April 2024, substantial completion, and how an LDC proves immunity.

18 August 202612 min read

Planning & Regulations

Planning Permission for Garden Rooms

Many London garden rooms can be permitted development. Check the Planning Portal outbuilding limits, when you need planning, and why living in one is not PD.

18 August 202610 min read

Trust & Process

How to Choose a Builder in London

A practical guide to choosing a reliable builder in London. Includes a checklist of questions to ask, warning signs to watch for, and the key differences between design and build versus labour only contracts.

23 February 202610 min read

Technical Guides

Loft Conversion Types for London Homes

A practical guide to loft conversion types for London homes. Roof-light, rear dormer, hip-to-gable, L-shape and mansard — which roof, planning and typical costs.

6 January 20268 min read

Planning & Regulations

Planning Permission vs Permitted Development: What London Homeowners Need to Know

Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft conversion in London? Understand permitted development rights, prior approval and the application process.

5 January 20269 min read

Advice & Comparisons

7 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Building an Extension

Learn the major pitfalls we see across London extension projects—from budget blunders to neighbour disputes—and how to avoid them before you start.

4 January 202611 min read

Planning & Regulations

How Long a Loft Conversion Takes

A practical timeline for a London loft conversion. Weeks on site, the pre-build, living in the house, and what delays the job.

3 January 20267 min read

Advice & Comparisons

Do I Need an Architect for My Extension

Understand when you need a registered architect, when an in-house design team is sufficient, and what architects actually do for residential projects.

2 January 20268 min read

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