- Nation
- Northern Ireland
- Pricing region
- Northern Ireland
- Postcode areas
- BT
- Main towns
- Bangor (County Down), Banbridge, Holywood
What do loft conversions for extra rooms in County Down involve?
- Planning or permitted development check
- Building control sign-off
- New stair within the protected route
- Fire doors and extended alarm system
- Feasibility and head-height check
- Structural design and steelwork
Which rules apply in County Down?
- All new HMOs need planning permission; councils such as Belfast apply HMO policy areas and limits on concentration.
- New HMOs need building control approval as well as planning permission.
- The NIFRS HMO Fire Safety Guide (July 2026) usually expects Grade D1 interlinked detection in smaller shared houses and a Grade A system with more than 6 occupants or over 200 m².
- Space and amenity standards come from the HMO (Living Accommodation Standard) Regulations (NI) 2019 and the licence conditions.
- Licences usually last 5 years, and landlords must also register with the NI landlord registration scheme.
In Northern Ireland, licensing is run centrally by the NI HMO Unit, and all new HMOs need planning permission and building control approval from the local council.
How much do loft conversions for extra rooms cost in County Down?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dormer loft conversion, about 30 m² | £40,000 – £60,000 | £36,000 – £54,000 | project |
| Rooflight loft conversion, about 30 m² | £22,500 – £30,000 | £20,250 – £27,000 | project |
Typical time on site: 6–10 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Loft conversions for extra rooms by town in County Down
Questions about loft conversions for extra rooms in County Down
Does a loft room need a fire escape window?
In an HMO the main protection is usually a protected stair and fire doors. The building regulations and fire strategy decide the detail.
How much head height do I need?
As a rule of thumb, about 2.2 metres at the highest point of the existing roof space before any work. Less can work with a dormer or lowered ceilings.
Do you carry out loft conversions for extra rooms across County Down?
Yes, across the whole of County Down, including Bangor (County Down), Banbridge, Holywood.
Who licenses HMOs in County Down?
HMO licensing in County Down, as everywhere in Northern Ireland, is run by the NI HMO Unit at Belfast City Council. Planning and building control are handled by the local council.
Other HMO services in County Down
- Extensions for extra rooms in County Down
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in County Down
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in County Down
- Ensuite installation in County Down
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in County Down
- Fire alarm and detection systems in County Down
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in County Down
- Rewires and EICR remedials in County Down