Juliet Balcony Loft Conversions: Costs, Loft Types & Benefits
Adding a Juliet balcony to your loft is a brilliant way to let in more light and create a sense of space, without building a full balcony.
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Adding a Juliet balcony to your loft is a brilliant way to let in more light and create a sense of space, without building a full balcony.
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A Juliet balcony in a loft conversion is a shallow, guard-railed feature that sits just outside full-length glazed doors, creating the illusion of a balcony without occupying floor space. Unlike traditional walk-out balconies, Juliet balconies don’t require major structural changes, making them ideal for lofts with limited room, lower head height, or planning restrictions.
They’re especially popular in dormer and mansard conversions, offering a sleek, modern way to maximise natural light. With minimal planning requirements and a clean architectural finish, a Juliet balcony is a stylish upgrade that delivers impact, without the cost or complexity of a full balcony.
Adding a Juliet balcony is one of the most affordable ways to upgrade your loft, with typical installation costs ranging from £1,500 to £4,500.
While it doesn’t offer walk-out access like a full terrace, it creates the same sense of space, light and modern style, without the need for structural work or a high price tag. Here’s what you can expect to pay.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in adding a Juliet balcony to a loft conversion:
Total estimate will be between £1,500 to £4,500, depending on the size of the opening, glazing choice, materials, and whether your loft requires structural adjustments.
Depending on your loft type and location, you may need to factor in a few extra costs:
Not every loft conversion is ideal for a Juliet balcony, but some styles work particularly well, especially those with a vertical face where doors can be installed. Below, we break down the most suitable loft types and why they pair so well with Juliet balconies.
A dormer loft conversion is the most common and practical option for adding a Juliet balcony. The flat, vertical face of the dormer makes it easy to install full-height French or sliding doors, with minimal structural changes required.
Dormers also provide extra headroom and open up great views, making the space feel larger and more connected to the outdoors, a perfect match for the airy feel a Juliet balcony provides.
Hip to gable loft conversions can accommodate Juliet balconies, depending on the layout. These conversions extend the roofline to create more usable space and may allow for a vertical opening suitable for doors and a balcony guard.
While not as common as dormers for Juliet balconies, they’re certainly possible, especially if you’re planning structural adjustments to maximise light and access.
A mansard loft conversion is another excellent option. With its steep, rear-facing wall and flat vertical face, it provides an ideal structure for seamlessly integrating a Juliet balcony into the design.
Mansard lofts are especially popular in period properties and urban homes, where adding a Juliet balcony can enhance both the light inside and the kerb appeal outside.
In most cases, adding a Juliet balcony to a loft conversion falls under Permitted Development, meaning you won’t need full planning permission, especially if it’s at the rear of a house and doesn’t extend the structure outward.
There are important exceptions. If your property is a flat, lies within a conservation area, or is a listed building, you’ll likely need formal approval. Regardless of location, your Juliet balcony must also comply with Building Regulations, particularly regarding safety, structural integrity, and minimum balustrade height (usually at least 1.1 metres).
Always check with your local planning authority before starting work to ensure compliance.
Yes, it’s often possible to replace a Velux window or a dormer window with full-height French or sliding doors to create a Juliet balcony, but it’s not always a straightforward swap. Here’s what you need to know:
Juliet balconies are a popular upgrade in loft conversions, but there are a few common points that homeowners want clarity on before proceeding. From planning rules to installation costs and structural considerations, the FAQs below cover the essentials you need to know.
Yes, dormer lofts are one of the most suitable types for Juliet balconies. The vertical face makes it easy to install full-height doors with minimal structural changes.
Expect to pay between £1,500 and £4,500, depending on the glazing, materials, balcony size, and any structural adjustments required.
In most cases, no, they fall under Permitted Development. However, if your property is a flat, a listed building, or in a conservation area, permission may be required.
Yes, many homeowners replace Velux or dormer windows with French or sliding doors, but structural checks and compliance with Building Regulations are essential.
Juliet balconies let in more light, improve ventilation, and add a sense of space, all without needing the structure or cost of a full balcony.
