Sunday, April 4, 2010

Why North London Loft Conversions are Becoming More Popular


North London is really a collection of towns and villages each with its own distinct character and attractions. They include trendy Islington, quieter Finchley, and upmarket Highgate. It’s a great place to live, but finding your dream home in the location you want and at a price you can afford is not always easy.

One solution is settle for a house that has the potential to be improved. This could explain why loft conversions are so popular in north London. Using the existing space in the roof of a house is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways of adding more rooms and facilities.

Owners of north London houses are as varied as their homes. What suits one person might not appeal to another. But, if you belong to one of the following groups, a well-designed loft conversion could be just what you and your home need:

First time buyers
Finding your first house in north London is the biggest and most difficult step on the property ladder. Price is likely to be the main consideration and many first time buyers will be restricted to the lower end of the market. When house-hunting, always check if the loft is suitable for conversion even if you won’t be able to make use of it straight away.

When you are in a better financial position, explore the possibilities of converting the loft. The roof space above a two-bedroom terraced house will usually accommodate a third bedroom with en-suite. You might be so impressed with your ‘new’ house that you’ll want to stay but, if you decide to move on, the added value will make it easier to buy your next north London home.

Parents with a growing family
It’s amazing how much space a baby needs. Somewhere to sleep, somewhere to play, somewhere to store all the paraphernalia … and it won’t be long before he or she is running around and welcoming a baby brother or sister. A north London loft conversion expands your available living space without all the hassle and expense of moving. It’s certainly something to consider if you and your children are happily settled in the catchment area of a good school.

Homeworker
Homeworking has lots of advantages, but one of the most common problems is arranging a separate workspace. You can set up a computer in the corner of your bedroom or living room but how do you cope with noise and interruptions from the family? And where can you store materials and confidential papers?

Imagine having your own spacious north London office or studio where you can get on with your work in peace. A loft conversion can be surprisingly light and airy, a joy to work in, and no rent to pay!

Member of a two or three generation household
The cost of rented accommodation, coupled with the unemployment rate, has seen a rising number of 20 and 30 somethings choosing to live with their parents in north London. Some have been unable to find a job after leaving university; others have flown the nest but need to return after being made redundant.

At the other end of the age scale, you might want to invite an elderly relative to live with you but are unable to offer suitable accommodation.

A north London loft conversion enables families to live together while still giving individuals privacy and independence. You can create a self-contained studio flat for a younger member of the family. Or perhaps you’ll want a comfortable sitting room for yourself if you turn a ground floor room into a bedroom for your own mother or father.

If you live in north London, or are thinking of moving there, it’s always worth considering the feasibility of a loft conversion. Take advice from a specialist loft conversion company that knows the area well, is familiar with current local planning regulations, and is happy to give you a free consultation and no obligation quote.

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