How much does a conservatory add to house value?
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How much does a conservatory add to house value? Well, if you’re planning to enhance your property’s value and wondering how much a value a conservatory can add to your home, you’re not alone.
Adding a conservatory to your house can be a great way to boost the value of your property and create additional living space. Whether you’re looking to increase the resale value of your home, add an extra room for a home office, or simply enjoy the benefits of a well-designed conservatory, understanding the potential impact on your home’s value is vital.
In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that contribute to the true level of value a conservatory can bring to your home. From a conservatory design and modern features like double glazing to the ways in which a conservatory can increase the value of your property, we’ll delve into the details that matter most when considering this valuable addition to your house and garden.
What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is a versatile home extension that offers a cost-effective way to expand your living space while allowing an abundance of natural light to permeate your home. These spaces can serve various purposes, transforming into enchanting garden rooms or elegant dining areas that offer a panoramic 180-degree view of the garden.
The concept of conservatories traces its roots back to the early 1600’s when they were initially conceived as structures designed to protect delicate plants during the harsh winter months. These early conservatories were constructed using wooden panels instead of glass.
However, it wasn’t until the 1980’s that the modern conservatories we commonly encounter today, made from materials such as uPVC, timber and aluminium, started to gain widespread popularity, becoming a common sight in homes across the world.
What are the advantages of a conservatory?
We get many potential house sellers enquiring about "Does adding a conservatory add value to their house?", and although the answer may not be what they were looking for, there are ample of other benefits to having one.
Without going into ‘how much does conservatory add to house value’, here are some advantages to having a conservatory in your home:
Conservatories create more living space
Perhaps the most notable advantage of a conservatory is its capacity to increase the usable living area within your home. It provides a versatile environment that can serve as an additional lounge, home office, playroom, dining room or garden room.
Conservatories provide better natural light
Conservatories are designed to allow an ample amount of natural light to infiltrate your living space. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day but also creates a bright and inviting atmosphere that can positively affect your mood and well-being.
Conservatories bring the garden in
Conservatories can seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor, as they offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of your garden or surroundings while being sheltered from adverse weather conditions. It’s a perfect spot to relish the changing seasons and connect with nature from the comfort of your home.
Conservatories may not need planning permission
You can build a conservatory without planning permission, as long as it has a maximum height of 4 metres, or 3 metres if it's within 2 metres of a boundary. The conservatory must not cover more than half the garden, and the roof ridge is not higher than the eaves of a property’s roof.
What is the 4 year rule for conservatory?
The 4-year rule for conservatory planning permission is a valuable regulation that grants homeowners the flexibility to expand their homes without the burdensome process of obtaining planning permission, provided they follow a certain criteria.
The 4 year rule, was designed to simplify home improvement projects, and allow homeowners to construct a conservatory without planning permission as long as they meet the following conditions:
Height
The conservatory’s highest point must not exceed the highest part of the roof of the existing house. This ensures that the extension blends harmoniously with the existing structure.
Rear extension limits
The conservatories extension beyond the rear wall of the original house must be no more than 3 metres for detached houses and no more than 2.5 metres for semi-detached houses or terraces. This restriction helps control the size and impact of the extension on neighbouring properties.
Garden area restriction
The conservatory should not cover more than 50% of the original garden area. This safeguard helps maintain a reasonable balance between the living space gained and the outdoor space preserved.
If these criteria are met, homeowners can proceed with building the conservatory without the need for planning permission, but it is crucial to bear in mind a few additional considerations:
Completion timeframe
The 4 year rule stipulates that the conservatory must be completed within 4 years from the start of construction. If the project takes longer than this timeframe, planning permission will then become necessary.
Permitted development status
The 4 year rule applies exclusively to conservatories categorised as permitted development. In other words, the conservatory must meet another set of criteria for its size, location and design to benefit from this exemption.
What are the disadvantages of a conservatory?
The 4 year rule helps create an equilibrium between promoting home improvements and protecting the historical and architectural heritage of neighbourhoods. Within the United Kingdom’s diverse housing landscape, consisting of numerous historical properties, the addition of a conservatory must be approached with caution, as it has the potential to impact the integrity and value of these cherished properties.
Here are some other disadvantages to having a conservatory:
Conservatories have inconsistent temperature control
Conservatories often struggle with maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year, as they can become excessively hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
Conservatories are loud when raining
The glass or polycarbonate roof of a conservatory can amplify the sound of raindrops and wind, creating a noisy environment during rainy weather, which may not be ideal for relaxation or concentration.
Conservatories offer limited privacy
Due to a conservatory's transparent construction, they lack the privacy that most homeowners desire. Passersby or neighbours have a clear view into the conservatory, with the need for blinds and curtains to be installed.
Conservatories suffer from Glare and UV Exposure
The abundance of natural light in a conservatory can also lead to issues with glare and increased UV exposure, which can result in discomfort when using electronic devices, or concerns about the fading of furniture and decor due to UV radiation.
What alternatives to conservatories are there?
When selling a property, understanding how much a conservatory adds to a house value can help set an appropriate asking price. But, there are various alternatives to conservatories, which avoid many of the disadvantages, while adopt the advantages of conservatories:
Home extension
Orangery
Solarium (sun room)
Porch extension
Garage conversion
Loft conversion
Basement conversion
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Are conservatories a good investment?
The potential return on investment of a conservatory prompts many people to ask, “How much does a conservatory add to house value?”
Well, a new conservatory can indeed be a selling point and add value to your home, but the extent of that value can vary. It largely hinges on the preferences of potential buyers in your area, the quality of the conservatory’s construction and design, and its functionality.
A well-built and thoughtfully designed conservatory that aligns with the local market demand can serve as a valuable addition, offering extra living space and the appeal of an indoor-outdoor connection.
Moreover, energy-efficient features and a design that complements your home can enhance its attractiveness. While a conservatory can be a good investment, you should consider your specific circumstances, including your long-term plans and budget, to determine if it aligns with your overall property goals.
How much does the average conservatory cost?
The cost of building a conservatory can vary depending on several factors, including the materials chosen, the size of the space and the type of design chosen. While it's challenging to provide an exact figure due to these variables, a rough estimate suggests that you can expect to pay anywhere between £5,000 and £20,000 for a conservatory.
When considering a conservatory as an extension to your home, it’s important to recognise that it offers a cost-effective alternative brickwork addition. Traditional extensions can command high costs, often reaching up to £1,500 per square metre, making conservatories an attractive choice for those seeking additional space without breaking the bank.
To keep your conservatory costs in check, take the following factors into account:
Frame material
Your choice of frame material significantly impacts the cost. Usually uPVC frames are the most budget friendly option, while aluminium and wood frames can cost up to 25% and 50% more respectively. Additionally, consider the long-term maintenance costs, as aluminium frames require minimal attention, while timber frames necessitate more regular upkeep.
Window selection
Since conservatories are predominantly glass structures, the choice of glass is vital. When budgeting, consider the advantages of the different types of glass, including standard glass windows, double glazing and triple glazing. Each has its distinct advantages, such as noise reduction, and improved energy efficiency, it may just require higher costs.
Size, location and complexity
The overall size and design style of your conservatory will also pay a significant role in your cost determination. More elaborate designs or larger spaces may require additional materials and labour, impacting the final price.
Also, the location of your conservatory within your property and any necessary site preparation work, such as levelling or excavation will affect the overall costs.
Heating and insulation
To make your conservatory comfortable year-round, you may wish to consider heating and insulation options like underfloor heating and cooling. Obviously, this will incur higher costs.
How much does a conservatory add to house value?
A conservatory’s impact on your house value is not guaranteed and depends on various factors. It is estimated that a well-built conservatory could potentially contribute up to 10% to your total house value.
But, the influence of a conservatory on your property's worth can fluctuate and according to property portal, Rightmove, it might even lead to a deduction of up to £15,000 from your house value. This is due to preferences of potential buyers in your area and the specific style or age of your conservatory.
Between 2012 and 2022, homes with a conservatory saw a drop in over 50% in their property values. One of the contributing factors behind this decline is the evolving priorities of buyers, with a growing emphasis on energy efficiency.
Conservatories have garnered a reputation for being notoriously energy-efficient, which has led to some buyers seeking alternatives or showing hesitancy towards homes with traditional conservatory structures.
Do conservatories add value to your home?
When researching 'does conservatory add value to house' surveyors and estate agents will carefully evaluate how much a conservatory can add to a house’s overall value. The potential value that a conservatory adds to your home is dependent upon several factors that can significantly influence its desirability in the housing market.
Firstly, your location is crucial. If the property is an area with a higher population of individuals aged 65 and over, the addition of a conservatory can be particularly beneficial. Older generations tend to appreciate and use conservatories more frequently, valuing the connection with nature and ambiance these spaces offer.
In such areas, conservatories can be seen as a desirable feature that aligns with the preferences of potential buyers, making it a good investment for increasing your property’s appeal.
Secondly, the quality of the conservatory itself is vital. When it comes to newly constructed conservatories, incorporating state-of-the-art insulation methods and advanced climate cooling systems, such as efficient underfloor heating and cooling, can make it an attractive option.
The energy efficiency systems used to boost the conservatory’s inefficiency and make it comfortable all year round can show potential buyers that as a seller you’ve thought about the weaknesses of the property. The modern amenities and energy saving elements not only increase its appeal but also contribute positively to its overall value. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a property which is low maintenance and can help reduce their bills.
Do conservatories devalue your home?
Conservatories, once considered a luxury home extension, are now facing a notable shift in perception, potentially depreciating a property’s value by as much as £15,000. This shift is primarily driven by two factors: the increasing emphasis on Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) ratings and the escalating burden of energy costs, particularly amid the current cost of living crisis.
One key contributor to the reduced appeal of conservatories is their energy inefficiency. The majority of conservatories cannot be integrated into a home’s central heating system, as doing so would classify them as extensions, necessitating additional building permissions.
This limitation not only limits the functionality of these spaces but also exacerbates concerns about their energy efficiency, as they tend to be less insulated and challenging to regulate, especially during extreme weather conditions.
A parallel trend has also emerged, with homeowners veering away from traditional conservatories and gravitating towards brick-built conservatories or Solariums instead. These brick-built variations offer improved insulation and energy efficiency compared to their conventional counterparts, addressing some of the concerns surrounding rising energy bills and EPC ratings.
As homeowners increasingly prioritise sustainability, energy efficiency and cost-effective living solutions, the value of traditional conservatories has diminished.
Prospective buyers will inquire about how much a conservatory might increase the home value. However, it’s essential to recognise that conservatories demand substantial maintenance and upgrades as they naturally deteriorate over time, potentially diminishing the overall house value.
Luckily, we will buy your home with a conservatory or without! No matter your location, condition or property type, we can buy your house for cash in as little as seven days. Our team of property experts have over 50 years of combined experience in selling houses fast.
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