Estate agents claim one thing can add 'up to £18k' on home value

A properly converted loft space could boost the value of a family home by nearly £18,000 while making it more attractive to potential buyers, estate agents have claimed. A study of 500 property brokers discovered that a boarded and readily accessible roof space adds £17,677 to the value of a four-bedroom house, £13,821 to a three-bedroom property, and £9,867 to a two-bedroom home. With the housing market currently favouring buyers , sellers face mounting pressure to make their properties stand out through affordable improvements that enhance both appeal and value. Almost nine in 10 (88%) estate agents confirmed that their clients are increasingly seeking cost-effective methods to boost property value without incurring the expense of an extension or complete refurbishment. Industry experts suggest the solution could be sitting right above homeowners' heads, offering a quick return on an investment starting from as little as £260 through raised loft boarding and insulation improvements. The findings follow research commissioned by LoftZone, which revealed that properly upgrading a loft was identified as the most underestimated method of instantly adding value to a property (31%) and the best return on investment regarding overall value (32%). This enhancement was ranked higher than extensions, solar panels, and outdoor living areas in both categories. Converting a loft into a practical space was ranked equally with updating the kitchen as the home improvement most likely to accelerate a sale (51%). Estate agents' experiences support this, with 45% claiming that prospective buyers they've dealt with have been put off from submitting an offer. The results found that more than half (55%) lowered their bid when the loft wasn't fit for purpose, reports the Express . 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 usable 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." Given the value they bring to a property, it's unsurprising that 19% of estate agents recommend sellers improve their lofts for every listing, while a further 67% suggest this at least occasionally. This also simplifies their role, as 92% said a clean, well-presented loft can help a property sell faster. Estate agents have also shared their leading recommendations for instantly enhancing a loft's appeal. Safety remains a top priority, with suggestions including sufficient ceiling height, stable flooring that's safe underfoot, and appropriate ventilation for better air quality. However, aesthetics matter too, with agents noting that a loft which appears bright, spotless, and integrated with the rest of the property can make a memorable impact on potential 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." The best use for the space largely depends on its size and whether it's fully converted (with stairs, flooring, and windows) or purely a crawlspace. Aside from an extra bedroom or handy storage, people could get creative with what they use this 'bonus room' for. Some choose to make this a home office, provided it has access to a good internet connection. The secluded spot away from all the downstairs foot traffic and distractions could make for a highly productive workspace.