Blog>Expert Advice>Does removing a conservatory devalue a house?
Last updated: 28 June 2023
Does removing a conservatory devalue a house?
Thinking of removing your old, outdated conservatory? Worried about whether it will devalue your house? Here’s the lowdown.
Conservatories were all the rage back in the 2000s. But today, conservatories haven’t aged well and can often be seen as dated, unusable and energy inefficient.
If you’re the disgruntled owner of a conservatory, we’re here to answer the all-important question: does removing a conservatory devalue a house?
Does removing a conservatory devalue a house?
No, removing a conservatory is unlikely to devalue your house. In fact, it may well be the opposite. Estate agents say that conservatories could now reduce the value of your property by as much as £15,000!
Why? Well, potential buyers often see conservatories as an expensive problem they’ll need to fix. Here are a few reasons that conservatories have become something many homebuyers would rather go without.
Dated. Conservatories that were built at the height of their popularity can now look outdated to homebuyers – especially those made of cheap-looking white plastic or dark wood, or that aren’t in keeping with the overall style of the home
Energy inefficient. Most conservatories don’t meet modern standards when it comes to energy efficiency. This can make them unattractive to eco-friendly homebuyers, as well as those who are worried about the cost of energy
Unusable. Conservatories are often too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Plus, many were built (legally!) without planning permission, which means they’re too small to be useful for many purposes
Open-plan is in. Homebuyers are often now looking for large open-plan living spaces that open out onto the garden. Conservatories tend to work against that
Gardens are a priority. Since the pandemic, gardens have become all the more important to homebuyers, especially in cities. For that reason, a conservatory that takes out a big chunk of a garden might put buyers off
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Is your conservatory devaluing your home?
Research by Towergate Insurance shows that adding a well-built conservatory to your home could add around 5% to the value of your property. So, how do you know whether your conservatory is adding or detracting to the value of your home?
Well, as a general rule, it’s worth considering removing your conservatory if it:
Gets too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter
Looks old and outdated
Takes up valuable garden space
Takes up space that could be used for an extension
What should I do about my conservatory?
If your conservatory is devaluing your home and you want to do something about it, you have two main options.
1. Remove your conservatory
Demolishing your conservatory could be a great option. This could allow you to replace it with an extension – or simply add more room to your garden!
To demolish your conservatory, you can expect to pay around £2,000+. Read our demolition cost guide to learn more.
2. Turn your conservatory into a proper room
Turning your conservatory into a proper room can help you to turn a tired, unusable space into a real asset. Your conservatory could become anything from a proper living room to a study or even a kitchen if you decide it’s worth the cost of adding plumbing!
The cost of converting your conservatory into a room can range from £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your needs. Our conservatory refurbishment cost guide has more information.
Key takeaways
Conservatories have plummeted in popularity
Old and dated conservatories frequently detract from the value of a house, rather than adding to it
Turning your conservatory into a proper room or replacing it with an extension can be a sensible option
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