How to increase property value in central London
— 12 December 2025
In the busy and crowded central London market, to unlock the full potential of your home and increase its value requires strategic, design-led improvements that respond to the city’s unique market, planning constraints, and architectural heritage. In this article, we explore intelligent ways you can future proof the value of your home, in one of the world’s most competitive property markets.
How to increase space in London home
What you are able to achieve in terms of additional space depends largely on your property type, and if there are any planning or structural restrictions in place. In London, much of the housing stock consists of terraced housing, where options for increasing internal space are typically limited to modest extension, or converting the basement or loft.
If your property includes an adjacent garage, it can often be cost-effective to incorporate it into the main home. Alternatively, if you have a garden, an independent garden studio may be the right solution, these are ideal for creating spaces such as a home gym, yoga studio, or office, where some separation from the main dwelling is beneficial.
When working with a skilled architect, it may also be possible to reconfigure your existing layout to maximise the existing space and improve the functionality, sometimes making the interior feel significantly larger without the need for a physical extension. Through smart spatial planning and creative design, it is possible to unlock your properties full potential.
We have been working on Fulham House, adding an extensive three storey extension to the terrace home, increasing the space available internally but carefully designed to fit the massing and scale of the traditional street scene.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help increase the space in your London property.
How an Architect can help your London Extension
Adding an extension to your property is one of the most effective ways to increase the value and functionality of your home, by working with an architect they can offer creative and strategic design solution to reconfigure layouts for better function, with optimised internal space, increased natural daylight and improved internal flow. They are also well placed to help you navigate the local planning process, with a deep understanding of the unique nuances of your borough, help to smooth the whole process.
It is worth remembering that simply adding space doesn’t automatically add value, especially in the competitive London market. Without a cohesive design approach, an extension can feel disconnected from the rest of the home. An experienced architect can help you reimagine the layout, integrating the new space seamlessly with the existing structure. The result is a well-considered design with improved flow and functionality that aligns to your lifestyle, improves the energy efficiency and enhances the properties appeal.
At our project in Hammersmith & Fulham, by adding an extension the ground floor has been able to be reconfigured, to create a layout that fits and supports the family’s lifestyle. At the centre of the design is a social kitchen, placed in the heart of the home where the whole family can gather, with carefully planned long views connecting the kitchen with views out over the private garden.
Get in touch to discuss how we can successfully extend your London property.
Do I need an Architect to get Planning Permission in London?
While it is not a legal requirement to use an architect to obtain planning permission in London, it is often highly advisable to do so, especially when making significant changes to your property. This is especially important in London, with complex planning rules which vary across the 32 boroughs, working with an architect who has expert knowledge of the regulations can help you navigate the system effectively.
An experienced architect can assess your project and recommend the most appropriate route forward, whether your plans fall under permitted development rights (where planning permission is not needed), or if full planning permission is necessary. They can also advice on any additional permissions you may need, particularly if your property is listed or located in a conservation area.
Additionally, by working with a design professional who has experience of working in a geographical area has further advantages. They will understand the intricacies and complexities of your local development plans and planning policies, and are more likely to have established working relationships with planning offices. This should benefit in streamlining the process, in order to reduce time spent in the planning application process, reducing delays, and minimising the risk of costly redesigns.
We have recently secured planning approval for an exciting remodel and extension project in Fulham. We were able to navigate key challenges successfully and smoothly through close collaboration with the client, the wider design team and the local planning authority, including designing within a designated flood zone. This project highlights how thoughtful design, clear communication and well co-ordinated strategy can transform potential hurdles into a seamless planning process.
Contact the team to discuss how we can help with your planning needs.
How to increase London property value
There is more to increasing a property value than just increasing internal space. In a competitive urban market, like London, quality is often more important than quantity. A bright, well-designed space that offers a sense of calm, is far more appealing and as such can demand a higher value.
Working with an architect can help you achieve this. Through intelligent design, an architect can reimagine your home, curating the internal spaces to enhance the functionality and make better use of the space you already have. They can also instil sustainability into the design, to deliver an energy efficient home that is comfortable throughout the seasons. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that not only looks good but feels good, enhancing daily life and adding long-term value.
When working on our Round Hill project, we subtly remodelled and extended the house, relocating the kitchen to the first floor. This clever design move has delivered a spacious contemporary kitchen, leading onto a roof terrace which enjoys long views over the surrounding roofscape.
Get in touch to discuss how we can maximise the value of your London property.
London Architects for Sustainable Design
Sustainability in design has become increasingly vital, especially in a city like London, where creating low energy homes that remain comfortable year-round, is a growing priority. Often underestimated, sustainable design plays a crucial role in how a building performs and directly impacts indoor comfort, day-to-day running costs, and the overall environmental footprint of your project.
Whether you are renovating an existing property, or planning a new build, by working with a sustainability-focused architect it offers a holistic approach, who are able to specify eco-friendly materials, integrate passive design feature, improve insulation and ventilation and integrate sustainable systems. Rather than making isolated upgrades, they can assess the entire system to optimise the building, this integrated approach delivers long-term efficiency, comfort, and resilience.
When extending the Minster Road project, we followed a fabric first approach to the sustainability of the extension, with enhanced insulation throughout, high-quality double glazing and passive heating and cooling strategies such as introducing the rooflights only on the north side of the vaulted ceiling to bring in light and warmth without fear of overheating in the summer months.
Email the team to discuss how we can help complete a sustainable overhaul on your London property.
Working with Architects to Renovate your London Property
When renovating your London property, it is important to work with an architect who understands the complexity of working with an existing property. A skilled architect can help you unlock the full potential of the existing building, whilst also celebrating the architectural character of the home while thoughtfully adapting it for modern living.
An architect can help with a wide range of projects, from removing unsympathetic modern interventions and reconfiguring an internal layout, a sensitive loft or basement extension, or adding a contemporary extension. An architect will guide you through the design process and advise on any permissions required, which is especially important if the property is listed or sits within a conservation area.
A skilled architect is able to blend contemporary design with period architecture, creating a cohesive, functional and beautifully balanced home that respects the past while embracing the future.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help renovate your London property, or if you have any further questions about how we could help you increase the value of your London property.