Home extensions that really make a difference
3 minute read


Home extensions that really make a difference
3 minute read
Thinking about an extension? It’s amazing how much a little extra space can change everyday life. Whether it’s a bigger kitchen for family dinners, a quiet home office, or an extra bedroom, extending can mean staying in the home you already love—without the hassle of moving.
When you add up estate agent fees, Stamp Duty, legal costs and removals, moving house can get pricey fast. An extension, on the other hand, gives you more space and adds value to your home.
So, what are your options? We take a look at some of the most popular ways people are extending their homes right now, plus offer some tips to help you plan.
Your extension options
Build up:
- Loft conversion – Turn your attic into a bedroom, office or bathroom. A smart way to use space you already have.
- Second storey – Add a whole new floor on top. It’s a bigger project, but wow, does it give you room to grow.
- Dormer – A smaller change that adds headroom and light to your loft.
Build out:
- Single-storey extension – Popular for creating open-plan kitchens or family spaces. Often doesn’t need planning permission if it meets certain rules.
- Double-storey extension – Twice the floors, twice the space. A bigger investment, but worth it for families that need room.
- Side return – Great for terraced homes; it makes use of that little alleyway down the side.
- Conservatory – Light, bright, and usually cheaper than brick, though less practical all year round.
Build down:
- Basement conversion – Turn an existing cellar into a gym, playroom or guest bedroom.
- Basement extension – Dig down to create a whole new level. It’s discreet but can be more complex and costly.

Things to keep in mind
Extensions can come with a few surprises. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Insurance – check whether you need specialist extension insurance to cover the project
- Things like groundworks, surveys and drainage checks, can all add extra costs
- Research what professional fees you might need, planning applications, architects and structural engineers don’t come free
- If you share a wall with a neighbour, you may need a party wall agreement
- The finishing touches – the fun part – these cover everything from decorating, furniture and making your new space feel like home.
Paying for it all
If you’ve been saving, dipping into that pot could be a great way to avoid extra borrowing (just keep a little back for emergencies!).
For bigger projects, many people choose to remortgage. That means swapping your current mortgage for a bigger one, freeing up cash to fund the build. Mortgage rates are usually lower than loans or credit cards but do check if you would face any early repayment charges.
Don’t want to remortgage, you may want to consider a <<further advance>>. This is where you borrow more money against the value of your property from your current mortgage lender. If the rate is competitive this could be a useful option and often considered for home renovations.
Green additional borrowing may also be available, benefit from a lower rate when you borrow more money to make energy efficient improvements to your property.
Not ready to change your mortgage? A personal loan might be a better option for smaller jobs.
How we can help
Published September 2025
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