How much does a hip to gable loft conversion cost?

A typical hip to gable loft conversion costs between £30,000 and £70,000 in 2025, depending on the size of your home, the level of finish, and your location. If you’re adding extras like a dormer or an en suite bathroom, expect to be at the higher end of that range.

Below, we break down average costs, what's included, and what can drive your final quote up or down, so you can budget with confidence before starting your project.

Average Hip to gable loft conversion cost

The cost of a hip to gable loft conversion in 2025 typically ranges from £30,000 to £70,000, depending on the size of your home, the level of finish, and your location. Below is a breakdown of average prices by build quality, with cost per square metre to help you estimate based on your loft’s size.

Specification Level Description Estimated Total Cost Cost per m² (approx.)
Basic Shell Structural work only. No plumbing, insulation or internal finishes From £30,000 £1,300 – £1,600
Mid-Range Spec Fully converted bedroom with basic finishes and insulation £45,000 – £55,000 £1,500 – £2,000
Premium Finish Includes en suite, bespoke storage, and high-end fittings £60,000 – £70,000+ £2,000 – £2,500

Most standard lofts range between 25–35m², meaning a mid-range hip to gable conversion will often fall between £45,000 and £55,000. For larger detached homes or premium upgrades, costs can exceed £70,000.

Keep in mind, properties in London and the South East generally sit at the higher end of the range due to labour and material costs.

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What affects the cost of a hip to gable loft conversion?

While most hip to gable loft conversions fall within a typical price range, the final cost of your project can vary significantly depending on a few key factors. From the size of your property to where you live, here’s what drives the price up, or helps keep it under control.

Property size and roof shape

The larger the footprint of your home, the more structural work, materials, and labour will be needed, which means higher costs.

  • A small end-of-terrace property may cost around £40,000–£55,000, while a larger detached home or bungalow could exceed £70,000+.
  • Bungalows are often more expensive due to their wider roof spans and structural requirements.

Structural complexity and roof alterations

Hip to gable conversions involve major structural changes. The more complex your roof design or internal layout, the more your costs can climb. Expect costs to rise if your conversion involves building a new gable wall, raising the ridge height of the roof, or installing supporting steel beams.

If a full re-roof is required, this adds significant labour and material costs compared to a partial alteration.

Read our full guide on roof lift loft conversions to get a complete understanding of altering your roof for you new loft conversion.

Structural complexity and roof alterations

Internal layout and finishing details

What you plan to do inside your new loft space plays a huge role in the final cost. A basic bedroom conversion will naturally be more affordable, while adding an en suite bathroom, built-in wardrobes, or custom joinery can quickly increase the price.

Higher-end finishes such as premium flooring, bespoke lighting, or smart home technology typically add between £5,000 and £15,000+ to your overall build, depending on the level of detail and quality you choose.

Regional labour and material costs

Where you live has a significant impact on the overall cost of a hip to gable loft conversion. Labour rates, material prices, and even the availability of experienced contractors can vary widely by region.

Homes in London and the South East typically attract a 10-20% premium, driven by higher demand and living costs. In contrast, properties in Northern England, Wales, and Scotland often benefit from lower build costs and more competitive pricing.

Use our loft conversion cost calculator to understand how much you'll be paying.

Planning permission and building control requirements

While many hip to gable loft conversions fall under permitted development rights, this is not always the case. If your home is in a conservation area or the design exceeds standard limits, you may need full planning permission. This can cost between £250 and £500, with additional professional fees bringing the total to between £1,000 and £2,000. Regardless of planning status, building control approval is mandatory and ensures the conversion meets structural safety, insulation, and fire regulation standards.

Planning permission and building control requirements on hip to gable conversions

Access and site constraints

The ease of accessing your loft and property can significantly impact labour time and logistics, which in turn affect the cost.

  • If scaffolding is tricky to erect, or access is restricted (e.g. terraced homes with no rear entry), expect higher setup costs.
  • Areas like London and other inner city sites may require road closures, skip permits, or parking suspensions. All adding £500–£1,500 to the overall budget.

Insulation and energy efficiency requirements

Modern loft conversions must meet Part L of Building Regulations, which governs thermal performance. Upgrading insulation and meeting energy standards can add cost, especially in older homes.

  • Expect to pay more for high-spec insulation, especially in properties with poor existing thermal performance.
  • If you require any ventilation for your loft conversion, vapour barriers, or soundproofing (e.g. in semi-detached homes), this adds complexity and cost.

Hip to gable loft conversion costs by property type

The cost of a hip to gable loft conversion varies depending on the type of property you own. Each house type comes with different structural considerations, such as roof shape, ridge height, and access, which can influence both labour time and material requirements.

Below is a breakdown of estimated 2025 costs for different property types, based on standard mid-range finishes.

Property Type Typical Size (m²) Estimated Cost Range Notes
Terraced loft conversion 20–30 m² £40,000 – £60,000 Often limited in width; may require creative design for stairs and headroom.
Semi-Detached loft conversion 25–35 m² £45,000 – £65,000 Ideal for hip to gable conversions; commonly combined with rear dormer.
Detached loft conversion 30–40+ m² £55,000 – £75,000+ A larger roof span allows for more space, but it also increases the cost.
Bungalow loft conversion 35–45+ m² £60,000 – £80,000+ Typically more expensive due to wide, low-pitched roofs needing more structural work.
Mezzanine Loft Conversion Varies £50,000 – £70,000+ A design-led option within hip to gable shells adds an open gallery floor over the living space. May require additional steelwork.

Bungalows often sit at the higher end of the cost range due to their wider roof spans, which typically require more materials and support. Detached homes may also require additional ridge support or internal alterations to accommodate staircase access and layout.

A mezzanine loft conversion can be achieved within a hip to gable structure, but is more suited to larger or architect-designed properties. These typically appeal to homeowners looking to create light-filled, open-plan living spaces with visual impact.

Hip to gable costs per property type

How to save on the cost of a hip to gable loft conversion

If you're working to a budget, there are smart ways to reduce the cost of your hip to gable loft conversion without compromising quality. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips:

  • Use existing plumbing where possible: Position bathrooms or en suites above existing ones to avoid the cost of rerouting pipes and soil stacks.
  • Keep the layout simple: Open layouts, standard staircases, and straightforward designs reduce labour time and material complexity.
  • Choose cost-effective finishes: Opting for mid-range flooring, lighting, and insulation can still give a great finish without premium pricing.
  • Avoid unnecessary extras: Built-in storage, skylight upgrades, and bespoke joinery can quickly push your budget up. Focus on the essentials first.
  • Get multiple quotes from loft specialists: Prices can vary by thousands. Comparing 3–5 quotes ensures you're getting value and helps avoid inflated costs.

Is a hip to gable loft conversion worth the cost?

Yes. In most cases, a hip to gable loft conversion is well worth the investment. It typically adds 15% to 25% to your property’s value, depending on the location, finish, and how the extra space is utilised (e.g., adding a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom).

According to research from Nationwide Building Society, adding a double bedroom and bathroom through a loft conversion can increase a home’s value by up to 21%. In high-demand areas like London, the return can be even higher.

While upfront costs range from £45,000 to £70,000+, the long-term return on investment (ROI) makes it one of the most valuable types of home improvement, especially for families needing more space but wanting to avoid moving costs or stamp duty.

Learn more in our how much value does a loft conversion add guide.

Under UK permitted development rights, a hip to gable loft conversion must not exceed 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses or 40 cubic meters for terraced houses

The conversion must use materials similar in appearance to the existing home and must not extend beyond the existing roof slope facing the principal elevation or highway.

Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening if they are less than 1.7 meters above the floor level.​ For in-depth insights and detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive Permitted Development Rights Guide and unlock the full potential of your loft conversion project.

Frequently asked questions about hip to gable costs

Below are some of the most common cost-related questions homeowners ask when planning a hip to gable loft conversion. From pricing breakdowns to VAT and optional upgrades, these quick answers help you budget more confidently.

How much does a hip to gable loft conversion cost?

Most hip to gable loft conversions cost between £30,000 and £70,000, depending on the size of your property, the level of finish, and your location. Larger or more complex projects may exceed £75,000.

Is a hip to gable conversion more expensive than a dormer?

Generally, yes. A hip to gable conversion involves more structural work, including rebuilding the side of the roof, which makes it costlier than a basic rear dormer alone.

Can I combine a hip to gable with a dormer?

Yes, and it’s a popular option for semi-detached and detached homes. It provides extra headroom and floor space, but you’ll typically pay from £55,000 to £75,000+ for the combined build.

What’s the most affordable version of a hip to gable conversion?

A shell-only conversion, where the structural work is completed but the interior remains unfinished, typically starts from around £30,000; however, this figure excludes the costs of insulation, plastering, flooring, and fixtures.

Does adding a bathroom affect the cost?

Adding an en suite or bathroom can increase your budget by £5,000 to £10,000+, depending on the plumbing layout, fittings, and finish quality.

Why do smaller lofts sometimes cost more per square metre?

While the total cost is lower, smaller conversions often have a higher cost per m² because core expenses like scaffolding, design, and structural work are fixed, regardless of size.

Are there extra costs to watch out for?

Yes, common extras include planning fees (if applicable), structural reinforcements, upgraded insulation, and bespoke joinery. These can add £2,000 to £5,000 or more on top of the base price.

Do I have to pay VAT on my hip to gable loft conversion?

Yes, unless the property qualifies for a reduced rate, most conversions are subject to 20% VAT. Always check with your builder to confirm whether VAT is included in your quote.