Transforms Your Home with a Piggyback Loft Conversion 

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.

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.