Loft Conversion Cost in Manchester
- The average loft conversion in Manchester costs around £36,000.
- Most jobs take between 6 and 8 weeks, depending on the type of conversion.
- Types of loft conversions available in Manchester and their costs.
- How long the job takes and what's typically involved.
- Manchester-specific costs, such as scaffolding and skip permits.
- How to compare quotes from loft conversion specialists in Manchester with MyJobQuote.
A loft conversion cost is one of the first things to plan for if you're a Manchester homeowner looking to add space without the upheaval of moving house. Converting an unused attic can create a guest room, home office, or extra bedroom for a growing family.
A 30m² dormer loft conversion in Manchester costs on average between £31,500 and £45,000. That would give you a large room, with or without an en-suite bathroom, that fits neatly into family life.
Use our loft conversion cost calculator to get a bespoke estimate for your property, or read on for typical prices by conversion type in Manchester.

£55,000
Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Loft Conversion in Manchester Cost?
- Manchester Loft Conversion Cost by Type
- Additional Costs of a Loft Conversion in Manchester
- Factors That Impact Loft Conversion Costs in Manchester
- How Long Does a Loft Conversion in Manchester Take?
- Checklist: Hiring a Loft Conversion Builder in Manchester
How Much Does a Loft Conversion in Manchester Cost?
The cost of a loft conversion in Manchester depends mainly on the type of conversion and the size of the space you're creating, with structural work usually making up the biggest share of the bill.
What are you planning to use your loft conversion for?
Loft Conversion in Manchester Price List
Below you can see the average costs of the most common loft types. Prices for a loft conversion in Manchester are, on average, between £1,150 and £2,000 per m², depending on the type of conversion.
| Loft Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Velux (30m²) | £13,500–£18,000 |
| Velux (50m²) | £18,000–£27,000 |
| Dormer (30m²) | £31,500–£45,000 |
| Dormer (50m²) | £40,500–£54,000 |
| Hip-to-Gable (30m²) | £40,500–£54,000 |
| Hip-to-Gable (50m²) | £49,500–£63,000 |
| Mansard (30m²) | £40,500–£54,000 |
| Mansard (50m²) | £49,500–£63,000 |
| L-Shaped Dormer Loft (30m²) | £45,000–£54,000 |
| L-Shaped Dormer Loft (50m²) | £49,500–£63,000 |
| Adding en-suite (all sizes) | £5,000–£12,000 |
Manchester Loft Conversion Cost by Type
Each type of loft conversion suits different homes and budgets. Here's a closer look at what's involved and what you can expect to pay per m² in Manchester.
Velux Conversion
A Velux loft takes minimal work because the amount of space isn't increased. This makes a Velux conversion the cheapest. Cost per m² on average is between £450 and £630.
Dormer Conversion
A dormer is used if you want extra space and a flat roof, but you don't want the expense of a mansard conversion. Cost per m² on average is between £1,050 and £1,550.
Hip-To-Gable Conversion
This conversion will give you a lot more space, but it is only suitable for a detached or semi-detached home due to the modifications to the roof. Cost per m² for a hip-to-gable conversion on average is between £1,250 and £1,800.
Mansard Conversion
A mansard roof requires a lot of structural work. It completely changes the roof shape, but it creates the largest amount of room space. Cost per m² on average is between £1,250 and £1,800, though bespoke finishes can push this higher.
Additional Costs of a Loft Conversion in Manchester
There are additional costs you will need to add to your budget when you are planning a loft conversion in Manchester. Below are some of the most common costs.
Many you will need and so will apply to you, while others are a matter of choice.
| Additional Cost | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Scaffolding hire | £2,250–£8,250 |
| Staircase installation | £1,350–£9,000 |
| Skip hire | £145–£340 (+ council permit of around £40–£55 if placed on the road) |
| Planning permission fees | £1,250–£2,000 |
| Building regulations approval | £300–£2,000 |
| Party wall agreements | £800–£1,000 |
| Architectural drawings | £350–£1,350 |
| Structural engineer calculations | £550–£1,600 |
Factors That Impact Loft Conversion Costs in Manchester
The price of a loft conversion in Manchester depends on several factors. Some of the most common reasons prices can change are due to increased labour costs which might be due to the ease of access or the height of the roof.
For example, if transporting materials takes more time than usual because lorries and vans can't park close enough to your home then labour costs will increase.
Other factors that will influence the final cost of your loft conversion include:
- The type of loft you choose to have built.
- The original loft size.
- The structure of the roof.
- The available head height and roof pitch.
- The cost of steel beams used to strengthen floors and walls.
- Ventilation and insulation.
- Electrics and plumbing.
- Amount spent on fixtures and finishes.
- Property access.
Manchester's housing stock has a big influence on which type of loft conversion suits a property. Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas such as Chorlton, Levenshulme, Fallowfield, and Withington are often well suited to Velux or rear dormer loft conversions, which can create additional living space while working within the existing roof structure.
Semi-detached and detached homes from the 1930s onwards, common in Sale, Stretford, Didsbury, and Urmston, usually have more roof space to work with, making a hip-to-gable or larger dormer conversion possible.
Many Manchester terraces open directly onto the pavement, meaning scaffolding or skips may need to be placed on the public highway. Where this is necessary, your local council will usually require permits or licences, with fees varying depending on the authority.
These figures can change, so it's worth checking current rates with Manchester City Council before budgeting.
Overall, loft conversion costs in Manchester tend to run below the national average and are broadly similar to other northern cities such as loft conversion costs in Leeds. By contrast, a loft conversion in London typically costs 15% to 25% more for the same job.
How Long Does a Loft Conversion in Manchester Take?
Most loft conversions in Manchester take between 6 and 8 weeks from start to finish. The exact timescale depends on the type of conversion, how much structural work is involved, and whether other trades are available when needed. Weather and site access, particularly on narrow terraced streets, can also cause delays.
| Loft Design | Average Timescale |
|---|---|
| Velux | 4–6 Weeks |
| Dormer | 6–8 Weeks |
| Hip-to-Gable | 6–8 Weeks |
| Mansard | 8–10 Weeks |
Checklist: Hiring a Loft Conversion Builder in Manchester
It's vital that your loft conversion is structurally safe and meets building regulations, so hiring an experienced professional is worth the investment.
Before hiring a contractor for your loft conversion, it's worth checking the following:
- Are they qualified? Look for contractors with proven experience in loft conversions. Membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or registration with TrustMark helps confirm professional standards.
- Are they insured? A contractor should hold public liability insurance of at least £2 million, protecting you against damage or injury during the build.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile for feedback from previous customers on reliability, communication and quality of work.
- Will structural calculations be included? Confirm this is covered in the quote, along with an up-to-date understanding of building regulations.
- Do they manage other trades? Ask whether they'll coordinate electricians, plumbers, and plasterers, or whether you'll need to arrange this yourself.
- What are the payment terms? Agree these before work starts. A typical setup is a 10% to 20% deposit, with the balance paid on completion or at agreed stages.
- Is the work guaranteed? Reputable contractors should offer a warranty for their work, either directly or through an approved scheme.
By using MyJobQuote to find loft conversion contractors in Manchester, you can browse profiles, read reviews, and get up to 3 no-obligation quotes to compare prices and services.


