Estate agents claim most homes are not using the space to its full potential (Image: Getty)
A usable loft can add nearly £18,000 to the value of a family home and make it easier to sell, according to estate agents.
Research involving 500 property brokers found a boarded and easily accessible roof space adds £17,677 to a four-bedroom property, £13,821 to a three-bed, and £9,867 to a two-bed. With the property market firmly in buyers’ hands, sellers are under pressure to make their homes stand out with affordable ways to increase appeal and value.
Nearly nine in 10 (88%) agents confirmed that the homeowners they represent are increasingly looking for cost-effective ways to add value without the expense of an extension or a full renovation. Experts said the answer could be right above their heads, providing a significant return on an investment for as little as £260, achieved through raised loft boarding and insulation work.
It comes after research commissioned by LoftZone found that properly fixing up a loft was named the most overlooked method of immediately adding value to a home (31 per cent) and the best return on investment in terms of said value (32%). This improvement was therefore ranked above extensions, solar panels, and outdoor living spaces in both categories.
Creating a usable loft space was tied with modernising the kitchen as the improvement most likely to help a house sell quicker (51%). This is also reflected in the experience of agents, as 45 per cent reported that buyers they have worked with have been put off from making an offer, while 55% said they reduced their offer if the space isn’t functional.
Peter Thum-Bonanno, co-founder and CTO of GetAgent, said: “Lofts are one of the most undervalued spaces in a property and sellers who recognise that are increasingly seeing it reflected in their home’s value. In line with wider trends across the market, buyers are focused on practicality and unlocking more useable spaces, so a loft that is safe, accessible and genuinely usable isn’t simply a nice-to-have, it justifies higher asking prices.
“Storage space is one of the most requested features by buyers. Boarded lofts, lit and accessible via a proper ladder, signal that the home has been well thought through and cared for, increasing buyer confidence, which often translates into higher offers.”
Dave Raval, CEO of LoftZone, said: “Clearly, there is a strong case in the current housing market for making the most of every square inch of space in your home. For those with lofts, this can translate directly into cash in the form of higher listing prices, as long as the space is functional and well-presented.
“The other good news is that it doesn’t take much work to unlock this significant value through creating a welcoming, usable space, which is safe to move around in and still performs properly to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.”
Considering the value they clearly add to a home, it is no wonder that 19% of agents advise sellers to fix up their lofts on every single listing, with a further 67% doing so at least sometimes. This also makes their job easier, as 92% said a clean, well-presented loft can help a property sell faster.
Loft usability can be as simple as creating built-in storage, freeing up liveable space downstairs (Image: Simon Camper | Lumen Photography © SWNS)
Agents also provided their top tips to instantly transform a loft into a more appealing space. If it has sufficient head height, the flooring is even and safe to walk on, and the ventilation is up to scratch, it improves the space. Safety also plays a crucial role, with recommendations including that the ceiling needs a good head height, flooring is even and safe to walk on, and ventilation is up to scratch for improved air quality.
But appearances also matter, with agents saying that a loft which feels bright, clean, and visually connected to the rest of the home can leave a lasting impression on buyers. Dave Raval, from LoftZone, added: “A few quick fixes can transform a once-overlooked space into a real selling point.
“You’ll be amazed how simple changes to lighting, boarding, and those all-important finishing touches will turn dingy into roomy. It’s easy to do these things yourself if you’re a DIY aficionado. Otherwise, we have teams of approved installers nationwide who can complete most jobs in just one day.”