BEDFORD, UK. March 31st, 2026 – A garage conversion specialist has warned that rising mortgage rates and the soaring cost of moving are pushing homeowners across the UK to convert the space they already own rather than search for a bigger property.
Asa Herbert, Director at Pro Assist Property Services, said garages remain one of the most overlooked opportunities in UK homes. Many are now being transformed into home offices, extra bedrooms, and family rooms as homeowners look to make better use of the space they already have.
“With mortgage rates still high and the cost of moving continuing to climb, many homeowners feel trapped between staying put and paying a huge premium to move,” Herbert said. “That’s why we’re seeing more people look at the space they already have instead.”
Prior to the outbreak of the latest geopolitical conflict, mortgage rates had largely been expected to continue trending downward in the UK this year. Falling inflation, weaker economic growth forecasts and rising unemployment had all increased expectations that the Bank of England would begin cutting interest rates.
Markets had even priced in a potential rate cut at the Bank of England’s next meeting, with June widely seen as the next likely opportunity. However, futures markets now suggest borrowing costs could remain higher for longer, with July emerging as the earliest likely window for a rate cut, and even that carrying only around a 17 percent probability.
“Even with ongoing pressures on building materials and renovation costs, converting existing space is still far cheaper and quicker than moving house,” Herbert said. “For many households, a garage conversion offers a practical way to gain an extra room without the financial strain of relocating.”
Across the UK, garages are increasingly being repurposed into a wide range of spaces, from dedicated home offices for hybrid working to additional bedrooms, gyms and family rooms. Herbert stresses that successful conversions require proper planning.
“Too often garages become dumping grounds for storage,” he said. “But when they’re properly converted they can become some of the most valuable and functional rooms in the house.”
Most garage conversions fall under permitted development rights, meaning full planning permission is often not required. However, building regulations approval is still necessary to ensure the new space meets standards for insulation, ventilation, structural safety and fire protection. Herbert says homeowners should approach the process with the same care as any major building project.
“Getting the conversion right from the start protects both the value of the property and the quality of life of whoever ends up using the space,” he said.
With house prices remaining elevated and the total cost of moving continuing to rise, the financial case for converting rather than relocating is becoming increasingly compelling for many homeowners.
Herbert added: “For many homeowners, the garage is the most underused space in the house. Converting it can be the simplest way to gain an extra room without the financial strain of moving.”
ENDS