Adding a side return extension to your home can bring huge benefits to your property. Not only will it add extra space, but it can help to bring in more light and even add value to your home.
A side return fills in the space between houses and, although it may not seem like you are extending by a great deal, you may well be surprised by the difference those extra few feet can make. A side return could transform an ordinary kitchen into an open plan kitchen/diner, perfect for entertaining guests and creating a live-in space for all the family.
“Open plan kitchen spaces are very popular with buyers,” says Alix Stuart-Bruges, director of Douglas and Gordon’s Clapham Common branch of estate agents (www.douglasandgordon.com). “From a saleability perspective this is a big tick in the box for a lot of people as they might not necessarily have the time to do the work themselves.”
Judy Urmossy, sales manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Putney Hill branch (www.kfh.co.uk), adds: “Extending into the side return has become increasingly popular, especially among families. When combined with bi-folding doors to the garden it really brings the outside in, providing a space that everyone can use on a daily basis. These extensions are often beautifully modern and it’s become common to also install glass roofs which flood the room with natural light, being not only functional but also a very attractive design feature.”
If you are wondering how much it will cost to install a side return extension, it depends on the property, the amount of space, how many walls you want to remove and the materials used for the doors and roof. Why not take a look at our online calculator to get an idea of how much the project is likely to cost?
The average price of a side return is £40,000 for a typical Victorian terraced house, but once you factor in the value this will add to your property, it’s likely to prove to be a good investment. “Along with the added floorspace these extensions add, they can also increase the value of a terraced house considerably,” says Judy Urmossy. “In Putney this can vary from between £100,000 to £150,000 depending on the size and quality of the build.”
“In Fulham a side return extension could add anywhere between £100,000 and £400,000 in terms of added value,” says Dave Cleary, director of the Fulham office of Winkworth estate agents (www.winkworth.co.uk). “This of course depends on the size and the street the house is located on. These types of extension can really make a huge difference to a property.”
So, if you’re looking to improve but don’t wish to move, a side return could be the perfect way to add value to your home.
