Quick Summary
A piggyback loft conversion in the UK usually costs £65,000 to £120,000+. Prices vary based on roof-lift height, property size, structural work, finishes, and any added features.
Tired of low head height, awkward slopes, or a cramped loft that feels impossible to use? A piggyback loft conversion could completely transform your space. You’re not just adding extra room. You’re lifting and rebuilding the entire roof, making every inch count. It’s like giving your house a mini second storey, with proper head height and much more practical living space.
In fact, Nationwide Building Society (2025) found that adding a loft conversion with a large double bedroom and bathroom can increase the value of a typical three-bedroom, one-bathroom home by up to 24%.
Rebuilding the roof gives you higher ceilings, better insulation, more design freedom, and a layout that feels like a natural part of your home rather than just an add-on.
What is a Piggyback Loft Conversion?
A piggyback loft conversion is where your entire roof gets lifted and rebuilt to create a full-height, usable floor. The new roof keeps the same overall shape as the original, so it still feels part of your home. Think of it as putting a taller roof on top of your existing one, almost like giving your house a mini second storey.
Full head height lofts are ideal for which type of homes? Let’s find out:
- Full-head-height lofts work really well for homes with low rooflines.
- They’re perfect for 1930s/1950s and post-war semi-detached houses, like bungalows or chalet-style homes.
- If a standard dormer or hip-to-gable just isn’t enough, a full-height loft can solve the problem.
- They’re great for homes with tricky or complex roof angles.
- Want the feel of a second storey without moving? This is a smart way to do it.
- They let you create bigger, brighter, and more open rooms.
- And if you need multiple usable spaces upstairs, like extra bedrooms, an office, or a master suite, they handle that beautifully.
Learn More About Hip to Gable Loft Conversion here
Advantages and Disadvantages of Piggyback Loft Conversion
Advantages
- This type of roof modification increases head height as well as external walls to create a full-height loft across the entire floor plan.
- You can have many options to build any of the functional spaces, like a master bedroom, a home office with an indoor library, or an ensuite.
- These structural changes add so much value to the property than any other loft conversion, because they increase overall space.
- With increased space, you can have plenty of natural light, large windows, Juliet balconies, or skylights easily.
- The overall head height increases better structural integrity; the entire structure becomes stronger and thermally efficient.
Disadvantages
- Piggyback loft conversion cost is high as compared to other loft conversion types, it requires lifting and rebuilding the entire roof.
- Unlike simpler loft conversions, this type always needs council approval since it changes the roof structure and height.
- This full-height loft conversion takes longer construction time, as it involves rebuilding the entire roof. It is considered a major project, which takes several months to complete.
- Not every home design is made for piggyback loft conversion, as some homes may require significant structural reinforcement, which adds more time and cost.
- Raising the roof can affect sightlines, sunlight, or privacy, so careful design and consultation are essential.
- It might cause disruption during the construction, because it’s a major structural project; living in the house during construction can be disruptive.
Do you need planning permission for a piggyback loft conversion?
Yes, absolutely; unlike other types like Dormer or Velux conversions, raising the entire roof always requires planning permission. Because you are altering the property’s roof height and profile, the council must review:
- How much the roof is being raised
- The visual impact from the street
- Neighbour Privacy
- Structural Considerations
Most homeowners get their piggyback loft conversion application approved successfully when the design is handled by an experienced team.
Learn More About Dormer Loft Conversion Here
What are the average prices of a piggyback loft conversion?
A typical piggyback loft conversion cost in the UK usually ranges from £65,000 to £120,000 or more. It’s one of the more premium types of loft conversion, but it’s also one of the most transformative, giving you full-height, fully usable space.
Other factors that are included are roof lift length; the bigger the roof length, the more will be the cost and size of the property, structural changes, finishes, internal layout, and amenities.
Your Next Step Towards More Space
A piggyback loft conversion really can change the way you live. When you lift and rebuild the roof, you don’t just gain extra space; you get full-height, comfortable rooms that feel like a proper new floor of your home.
It does require a bigger investment, but the return is hard to ignore. You get more space, better comfort, and a solid boost in your home’s value. If you’re craving more room without going through the hassle of moving, this might be exactly the upgrade that fits your needs.
And if you’re curious about what’s possible for your own home, we’re here to walk you through it and help you plan your next step with complete confidence.
FAQ’S
It might take several weeks to months, as this type of loft conversion requires extending the whole roof in an upward direction with external walls.
Yes, the piggyback loft conversion is absolutely safe, as it is built by extending the roof with walls, not just the roof from one side.
Yes, you can add an ensuite bathroom or any other functional room, whatever you like, in the piggyback loft conversion.
Yes, absolutely, the piggyback loft conversion adds so much value to your overall space. Recent stats have also shown that a piggyback loft conversion adds approximately 24% value to your overall home.