Who Owns the Loft Space in London Flats?

The demise question comes first

A loft conversion brief often assumes the client owns the roof. On multi-unit buildings that is frequently false. The lease may stop at the ceiling of the top flat, with the roof void retained by the freeholder. Designing a dormer before checking demise is how fees are spent twice.

South Kensington, Maida Vale and St John’s Wood mansion stock are classic examples — see South Kensington lofts and Licence to Alter drawings.

Planning is still a separate track

Even with freehold control of the roof, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can make dormers and rooflights planning-sensitive. Planning permission does not create freeholder rights, and freeholder consent does not replace planning. Sequence both honestly.

What to send before design starts

Lease extracts, freeholder or agent guidance, photos of the roof and stairs, and a short description of the loft use (bedroom, bathroom, office). We confirm ownership and the likely planning route before producing proposed dormer drawings.

Fire escape through multi-storey stacks often decides stair position as much as planning. Technical drawings for insulation, structure and protected escape follow once principle is clear — see planning vs building regulations drawings.