Dachgeschoss Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 133 Ausblicke
October 28, 2024Step by step to a new living space: your guide to loft conversions
ExperienceLiving

Buying a loft conversion in Berlin is an exciting opportunity to create a bespoke home in one of Germany’s most desirable cities. A loft conversion is in an unfinished state, giving you the freedom to design everything from the ground up according to your own ideas. For example, you can decide whether you want an open, loft-like space or a multi-room apartment. And when it comes to the finishing touches, there are no limits to your creativity you can choose everything from the right sanitaryware to the perfect light switch.

 

Dachgeschoss Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 133 Ausblicke

Loft conversions in Berlin are particularly attractive to investors. In popular areas, a completed loft conversion can significantly increase the value of a property as demand for central living space continues to grow. It is estimated that loft conversions can increase the price per square metre of a property by up to 20%, depending on the location and facilities.  

 It is possible to convert a loft space, even as a layman, if you plan well and call in specialists if necessary. For example, you can do the drywalling yourself, but hire a professional to do the electrical work. The advantage of a loft conversion is that you are in complete control of the design and you can make it your own. 

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6 reasons to buy a loft conversion

Freedom of design

You can design your loft conversion to suit your individual needs.

Increase in value

A loft conversion significantly increases the value of a property, especially in desirable areas.

Favourable entry price

Unfinished properties are generally cheaper than finished properties, offering an attractive entry price.

Unrivalled views

Penthouses often offer breathtaking views of the city, further enhancing the value and lifestyle of the property.

Capital investment

Converted penthouses are in high demand, particularly in urban locations such as Berlin, and offer potential for rental income or resale.

Funding opportunities

There are numerous subsidies available, such as from KfW or BAFA, which can provide financial support for the conversion and reduce costs.

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Regulations at a glance: How to plan your loft conversion correctly

When you buy a loft conversion, the necessary planning permission is often already in place. This makes it easier for you to get started, as you can concentrate on the design.  

The most important regulations in Berlin include fire safety, a room height of at least 2.30 metres and window areas that allow sufficient light into the apartment. According to Berlin building regulations, the window area should be at least 12.5% of the living space. This means that, depending on the size of the loft, you may need to install additional windows or create dormers to ensure that the room is well lit.  

You should also be aware that certain structural alterations require the approval of the condominium owners’ association. Measures that affect the common property, such as the renovation of the roof, the installation of roof windows or changes to the central water and heating pipes, often require the approval of the owners’ association. It is therefore advisable to inform the community manager in good time and to obtain the necessary resolutions before starting the work, in order to avoid delays. 

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Inexpensive and effective: cost planning for loft conversions

Budgeting is crucial to the success of your project. In Berlin, the cost of converting an 80 square metre loft can range from €100,000 to €150,000, depending on the materials and fittings used. Here are some examples of typical costs: 

  • Insulation: 50 to 150 euros per square metre, depending on the material. In an 80 square metre loft, insulation could cost around €6,000 to €12,000.  
  • Windows and dormers: Simple roof windows cost around €1,000 to €3,000 including installation, while a dormer can cost €8,000 to €15,000.  
  • Drywall: 30 to 50 euros per square metre if you do it yourself. Professional drywalling costs between 50 and 100 euros per square metre. In an attic, the material cost of drywalling can be around €4,000 if you do it yourself.  

To keep costs under control, it is advisable to draw up a budget early on. Don’t forget to include a 10 to 20% contingency, as renovating old buildings in Berlin can often present unexpected challenges. 

Efficient loft insulation: what to consider

Insulation is a key issue that affects both comfort and energy costs. In Berlin, where winters can be cold and summers hot, insulation plays an important role. Common insulation materials are 

  • Mineral wool: Inexpensive and easy to work with. The cost of insulating an 80 square metre loft with mineral wool in Berlin could be around 5,000 to 8,000 euros.  
  • Wood fibre boards: A sustainable but more expensive option. These materials can cost up to 12,000 euros.  
  • Polyurethane (PUR): Offers high insulation values with low material thickness, but at a higher price. Ideal if you have limited space for insulation.  

In addition to thermal insulation, sound insulation is also important in Berlin, especially in the busier districts. Good insulation not only protects against heat and cold, but also reduces street noise. Subsidies such as the KfW energy efficiency programmes support the installation of modern insulation with grants of up to 20%. 

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From drywall to electrics: how to do a loft conversion

You can do a lot of the work yourself when converting a loft. For example, you could do the drywalling for an 80 square metre shell yourself and budget for material costs of around €4,000. Use plasterboard and a solid substructure to avoid cracking later.  

However, you should always call in specialists for the electrical work. In Berlin, the cost of electrifying an 80 square metre loft is usually between €3,000 and €5,000. This includes the installation of cables, sockets, light switches and, if necessary, an internet connection.  

Plumbing work, such as installing a bathroom, should also be done by professionals. In a loft, a completely new bathroom, including installation, can cost between €10,000 and €15,000, depending on the fittings.

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Creative loft decorating: how to make the most of your loft extension

A loft offers many opportunities for creative interior design. In an 80 square metre loft, you could have bespoke fitted cupboards installed under the sloping ceilings to make the most of the space. These can cost between 500 and 1,000 euros per metre.

Windows play a crucial role in making the loft feel light and open. Additional roof windows can cost around 2,500 euros each, including installation.  

 The choice of materials and colours also influences the feel of the space. A light wooden floor in a loft costs around 60 to 100 euros per square metre and gives the room a warm, spacious feel. 

Dachgeschoss Auguste-Schmidt-Straße Flur

Time frame: How long will the loft conversion take?

Another important consideration when choosing a loft conversion is the time frame for the conversion. Depending on the scope of the work and your own contribution, the timescales can vary greatly:  

  • Planning and permits: In Berlin, planning and obtaining permits usually takes about 2 to 3 months. However, as most offers already have planning permission, this time may be reduced.  
  • Dry construction and insulation: If you are doing the dry construction and insulation yourself, allow 4 to 8 weeks. If professionals are working on your project, this can be reduced to around 2-4 weeks.  
  • Electrics and plumbing: Electrical and plumbing installation can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the house and the availability of tradesmen.  
  • Finishing touches (flooring, painting, fitting furniture): Allow a further 4 to 6 weeks for this final stage, especially if you are planning bespoke furniture or special finishes.  

All in all, you should allow between 6 and 12 months for a complete loft conversion in Berlin, depending on how much you want to do yourself and how quickly tradesmen are available. 

Funding opportunities for loft conversions in Berlin

There are several funding programmes in Berlin that provide financial support for loft conversions:  

  • KfW Programme 152: This programme offers low-interest loans for energy-related measures such as insulation or window replacement. You can get up to €50,000 per dwelling at favourable interest rates. This is particularly useful if you want to make your loft more energy efficient.  
  • BAFA funding for individual measures (e.g. insulation): The BAFA subsidises energy efficiency measures, such as insulation or the installation of modern heating technology. You can claim up to 20% of the eligible costs. This also applies to loft conversions if you are focusing on sustainability and energy saving.  
  • Tax deductibility: Even if you do not take advantage of direct grant schemes, you can still claim a tax deduction of up to 20% of the labour costs for tradesmen (maximum €1,200 per year). This applies to the renovation, modernisation and refurbishment work involved in converting your loft. 
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Before you decide on a loft conversion, you should consider how much you can do yourself and when you will need outside help. Some loft conversions are ideal for do-it-yourselfers because the roof is already in good condition, the insulation is up to standard and only the internal work needs to be done. Others, however, require more extensive renovations, such as a new roof or additional insulation, often requiring the services of a builder or specialist tradesmen. It is therefore important to carefully assess the condition of the unfinished property before buying, in order to correctly estimate the work required 

Ready to start your own loft project?

Take a look at our loft blanks that are waiting to be transformed to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for an investment or a new home, our loft conversions offer the perfect potential. Contact us today to find out more about our current offers and make your dream of personalised living come true!

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