Lofts: to extend or not to extend?
Many people consider extending their property rather than moving, and a loft conversion seems to be an obvious proposition. This is supported by a rising expectation of increased property value following such a conversion, and we are often called out to advise on the financial viability of a project.
However, trends are changing, and it may be that a property with potential for a loft conversion can attract greater interest than a converted property which limits the buyer pool to those with a greater need for space and deeper pockets!
Great care should be taken when deciding on whether a loft conversion will be appropriate. For example, it is possible to over-develop a property. Even if your house is the best in the street, there will always be a limit on the potential value of a property there at a given time.
Likewise, would a loft extension make your house “top-heavy”? This is where there is insufficient living space for the amount of sleeping accommodation provided. Also, when you come to sell, could such an extension actually be called a “room” in view of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991? If it does not comply with certain criteria it might only be able to be classed as a storage space.
What about planning permission? Unless you live in a listed building, area of outstanding natural beauty or conservation area, you are generally allowed to build a further 10% of the floor area of your property without planning permission, although you must obtain building consent from your local council. Even if you don’t carry out the loft conversion, having the planning permission, if required, in place can add sufficient value to the property without the hassle of actually doing the work.
At Phillip Mann we have plenty of experience of these issues and would be only too pleased to come round to give you our advice on your best options if a loft conversion – or any other home alteration – is something you’re considering.
Phillip Mann
Managing Director
With thanks to www.amazingspacelofts.co.uk of Shoreham for the images.
What’s on in Seaford this October
Thanks to the brilliant Seaford Town website for these listings. Click here to find out more details on each event.
The Seaford Community Garden - in the Crouch
Date: Wednesday 01 October 2014
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Crouch Gardens, East Street
Seaford Community Cinema presents Nebraska
Date: Friday 03 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane
Seaford Town FC, 1st XI v. Fisher FC (Cup Match)
Date: Saturday 04 October 2014
Time: 3:00pm
Where: The Crouch Gardens
Live music at Con Club
Date: Saturday 04 October 2014
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Seaford & District Constitutional Club, Crouch Lane
Boot, Craft & Produce Fair
Date: Sunday 05 October 2014
Time: 9:00am
Where: Seaford Rotary Club. Martello Field
Up N Downs Regional Tramp
Date: Sunday 05 October 2014
Time: 9:00am
Where: Downs Leisure Centre, Sutton Road
Three new plays with a circus theme
Date: Monday 06 October 2014 - Sunday 12 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: The Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane
Quiz Night
Date: Monday 06 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: The Bay Tree Inn, Pelham Road
The Seaford Community Garden - in the Crouch
Date: Wednesday 08 October 2014
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Crouch Gardens, East Street
Seaford Town FC, 1st XI v Little Common
Date: Wednesday 08 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: The Crouch
Seaford and District Stamp Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday 08 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Steyne Road Crossway Church (opposite the Wellington)
Norman Baker MP Surgery
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Where: Seaford Tourist Information Centre, 37 Church Street
Proms Night 2014
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Seaford Head Community College
Quiz Night
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Seaford & District Constitutional Club, Crouch Lane
Corelli Ensemble
Date: Sunday 12 October 2014
Time: 4:00pm
Where: Crossway Steyne Road
Unseen Seaford: Illustrated Talk
Date: Wednesday 15 October 2014
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Seaford Library, Warwick House Warwick Road
Seaford Community Cinema presents 'The Great Beauty'
Date: Friday 17 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane
Seaford Music Society
Date: Friday 17 October 2014
Time: 7:45pm
Where: Crossway, Steyne Road
The Autumn Food Swap
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Time: 10:00am
Where: Seven Sisters Public House, Alfriston Road
Musical Memories Concert
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Time: 2:00pm
Where: Seaford Little Theatre, Steyne Road
Seaford Bonfire Society Annual Torchlit procession and firework display
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: White Lion, Claremont Road
Live Music at Con Club
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Seaford & District Constitutional Club, Crouch Lane
Friends of Tide Mills Beach clean up session
Date: Sunday 19 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Tide Mills
Christian Aid Quiz Evening
Date: Friday 24 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Clinton Centre, Clinton Place
Lunchtime Concert with Hammig String Quartet
Date: Saturday 25 October 2014
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: St Leonards Chuch Hall, Church Lane, off Church Lane
Seaford Town FC, 1st XI v Storrington
Date: Saturday 25 October 2014
Time: 3:00pm
Where: The Crouch
Live Music at Con Club
Date: Saturday 25 October 2014
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Seaford & District Constitutional Club, Crouch Lane
"Come and Seafor(d) Yourself"
Date: Monday 27 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Where: Seaford Baptist Church Hall, Belgrave Road
The Big Draw
Date: Monday 27 October 2014
Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Where: The Crypt Gallery, 23 Church Street
Seaford Community Cinema presents "Gravity"
Date: Friday 31 October 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane
Thanks to the brilliant Seaford Town website for these listings. Click here to find out more details on each event.
What’s on in Newhaven this October
Thanks to the brilliant Newhaven Town website and the Newhaven Town Council website for these listings.
Timely Talks
Wednesday 01-October-2014
Date: Wednesday 01 October 2014
Time: 11:00am
Where: Paradise Park, Avis Road
Newhaven Market
Date: Thursday 02 October 2014
Time: 9:00am
Where: High Street
Newhaven Country Market
Date: Thursday 02 October 2014
Time: 9:45am - 1:00pm
Where: Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road
Newhaven and Peacehaven U3A
Date: Thursday 02 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Baptist Church Hall, Church Hill
Full of Life Show
Date: Friday 03 October 2014
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road
Families for Autism Support Group
Date: Tuesday 07 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Riverside/Mencap Hall, West Quay
Tea, Cake and Film.....
Date: Friday 10 October 2014
Time: 2:00pm
Where: Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road,
The Mulekickers - In aid of RNLI Newhaven
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014 - Thursday 11 September 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Newhaven Lifeboat House, West Quay, Riverside
Hillcrest Film Society shows "Philomena"
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road
Halloween Fun
Date: Saturday 25 October 2014 - Thursday 02 November 2014
Time: 10:30am - 5:00pm
Where: Newhaven Fort, Fort Road
What’s on in Peacehaven this October
Thanks to the brilliant Peacehaven Town website for these listings. Click here to find out more details on each event.
Charity Darts Night
Date: Saturday 04 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Jerrom Hall, Seaview Road
Save a Life - Blood Donor Sessions
Date: Wednesday 08 October 2014
Time: 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Community House, Meridian Centre
Cancer Support Group
Date: Friday 10 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Community House, Charles Neville Room
Wrestling Spectacular
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Main Hall Community House
General Knowledge Quiz
Date: Friday 24 October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Community House, Meridian Centre
Newhaven and Peacehaven U3A New Members Meeting
Date: Thursday 30 October 2014
Time: 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Anzac Room, Community House, Meridian Centre
Thanks to the brilliant Peacehaven Town website for these listings. Click here to find out more details on each event.
we do more… to look after your property
If you ask us to manage your rental property, as well as working hard to find the best tenants possible, we’ll look after it for you too, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
For example, we’ll prepare a detailed schedule of the property’s condition at the start, and carry out regular inspections to ensure it stays that way.
We’ll also be on call to handle any problems or questions your tenants may have, and manage any repairs that are necessary using our trusted local contractors.
So if you’re looking to let out a property, and want to ensure it’s well looked after, please get in touch and we’ll tell you more.