How much value does a garage conversion add to your home?

It’s amazing how many garages in the UK go unused, or end up full of clutter, old furniture and rubbish. Therefore, it’s no surprise that more and more homeowners are converting their garages into useful spaces. But, how much does a garage conversion add value to your home?

Whether you’re creating a home office, a gym, or knocking through from the main house to add space to your kitchen or living room – a garage conversion will almost certainly add value to your home.

In this guide, we’ll answer the question ‘does a garage conversion add value to your property?’. We’ll also give you our top tips and advice to make the most of your garage conversion.

Does a garage conversion add value?

In a word, yes. There’s no doubt that investing in a garage conversion will add value to your home. However you decide to use the garage, you’ll be gaining valuable extra living space for your home.

The great thing about a garage conversion is that it is generally less expensive and quicker to complete than building a house extension. It can also be less complex in terms of planning permissions – though that will depend on exactly how you’re converting the garage and what you’ll be using the space for.

The one thing you want to make sure is that you spend less on the conversion than the amount of value it adds to the property. Simple maths but important to make sure you don’t overspend on the project.

How much value does a garage conversion add?

If done well, a garage conversion can add up to a whopping 20% to the value of your home. Converting your garage into a bedroom with en-suite bathroom tends to achieve the biggest added value, at around 20%. For garage conversions that create a home office or playroom, the value add is typically around 10% – still a great investment.

The actual value you’ll add by converting your garage will depend on the value of your property, the type of garage conversion you carry out, and the quality of the finished space.

Most common garage conversions

Here are some of the most popular reasons that homeowners convert their garages for:

• Children’s playroom
• Home gym
• Home office
• Utility room
• Added bedroom
• Extension of an existing room

Garage conversion value add per square foot

On average, a garage conversion can add around £350 per square foot of living space. Based on a standard single garage conversion offering around 128 square feet, that’s an additional £45,000 that you could potentially be adding to the value of your property.

Obviously, you need to consider the cost of the garage conversion, which will reduce the profit you’d see. But it’s clear that converting your garage could be a wise move if you’re looking to boost the value of your home.

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

One of the real benefits of converting a garage is that, in many cases, the work involved in the conversion is classed as permitted development. That means you shouldn’t need to apply for planning permission, as long as you’re not extending the size of the garage building.

If you are planning to extend the garage to become larger than it currently is, you’ll most likely need planning permission. Either way, we would always recommend speaking to your local planning office to confirm whether you’ll need permission for the garage conversion you’re planning to do.

For properties in conservation areas, listed buildings or homes in new housing developments, there are stricter rules when it comes to planning so you’ll want to confirm what you can and can’t do without planning permission.

Should I convert my garage into a living space?

Converting a garage is a great option for many homeowners who want to gain living space and potentially add up to 20% to the value of their property. That said, garage conversions aren’t for everyone.

If you use your garage regularly to store your car or other valuable belongings, you might want to consider what you’d do if you converted the garage space into a different use. Will you be losing the space you already use? Do you have other parking on a driveway or on the street?

You’ll also want to crunch the numbers to make sure that the cost of the conversion is lower than the value you’ll potentially add. Speak to local garage conversion experts to get quotes for the work. It’s also sensible to reach out to local estate agents to get estimates of what they think your property would be worth after the garage conversion – so you can see if it’s worth the expense.

Key considerations for a garage conversion

If you’re weighing up the idea of a garage conversion, here are some points to consider that will hopefully help you decide if it’s the right move for you and your home.

Profit – You should always make sure the cost of your garage conversion is lower than the amount of value it adds to your home.

Conversion vs extension – A garage conversion can offer valuable added living space for a lot less than a house extension.

Conversion vs moving – If your key aim is to have more space in your home, converting your garage will almost certainly be cheaper than moving to a bigger house with more space.

What are the benefits of converting your garage?

Garage conversions come with a whole range of benefits, especially when compared to building an extension or moving home. Here are some of the top advantages of converting a garage:

• Add up to 20% to the value of your home.
• Gain valuable extra living space.
• You won’t have to sacrifice garden space for an extension.
• Minimal disruption to your main living spaces during the conversion.
• More affordable than a full extension.
• Less prone to planning complications than extensions.
• Often quicker to complete than an extension.
• Less hassle and cheaper than moving to a house with more space.

How much does a garage conversion cost?

On average, a garage conversion in the UK costs somewhere in the region of £9,500 – £20,000. That depends on the size and style of the conversion, as well as other factors such as the complexity of the design, quality of materials, fixtures and fittings, and the cost of labour.

To find out more about prices, check out our guide to garage conversion costs.

Garage conversion checklist

• Always start by speaking to your local planning office to confirm any permission needed for your garage conversion.
• Consider hiring an architect to ensure you make the most of the space.
• Choose what the purpose of your new room will be to add the most useful living space for you and your home.
• Get a garage survey or inspection carried out and consider damp proofing, installation and fireproofing issues.
• Contact local tradespeople to get accurate quotes for the various pieces of work needed for the project.
• Plan a budget and include a contingency of at least 10-15% for unforeseen costs.