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To merge or not to merge? That is the question, should you find yourself tempted by a London home that’s undergone a spell of surgery at the hand of a previous owner.
The task at hand is ‘deconversion’, a self-explanatory word that refers to the process of re-amalgamating multiple flats into a single home.
It’s the ultimate fixer-upper job, and – should you have the deep pockets required – a creative option in areas where attractive housing stock has been carved up into poky flats by landlords.
Plenty of London homes have been split up without permission, which will save on the paperwork when you come to undertake works. It’s worth checking with the council, who will be far more likely to approve the amalgamation of flats that originally made up a single home, rather than purpose-built apartments.
Though few of us have use for two kitchens (or three bathrooms, and so on), a rise in multigenerational living has fuelled demand for divided homes, where family can live quite literally on top of each other – without getting too close for comfort.
In these cases a sealed-off studio or self-contained garden flat could save on a costly and time consuming conversion.
Here are ten London homes for sale that are currently split into multiple flats.
Chiswick, W4
£1.6 million
An Edwardian end-of-terrace house moments from Chiswick Back Common, with an unmodernised lower floor flat. Perks include the secluded garden and attractive wide windows.
Savills, 020 3872 3733
Palmers Green, N18
£585,000
A classic Thirties house unusually split in two, with a garage, a converted loft room and further off-street parking, plus a stylish sun room at the extended rear. It’s on without a chain.
Yopa, 01270 447764
Isleworth, TW7
£999,950
This pretty, chain-free Victorian house near the station is divided into three flats of roughly equal size. Highlights include the huge walled garden and off-street parking.
Snellers, 020 8892 8008
Shepherd’s Bush, W12
£625,000
A rare opportunity to buy two stacked studio flats in a courtyard, with attached storage units and a small roof terrace. The flats are on the market without a chain.
Hamptons, 020 3869 5317
Twickenham, TW2
£2.75 million
This stuccoed gem in the Pope’s Avenue Conservation Area has five bedrooms, an attractive glazed sunroom and a self-contained, two-bedroom flat on the lower ground floor.
Inigo, 020 3687 3071
Leytonstone, E11
£550,000
This Victorian end-of-terrace, which offers the potential for three or four bedrooms, is right by Wanstead Heath. A double garage and utility room offer practical appeal.
Bairstow Eves, 020 3869 5337
Acton, W3
£1.85 million
An impressive detached home with almost 4,000 square feet of space, currently split across two flats. Features include a walled garden with a smart paved area.
Robertson Smith & Kempson, 020 8896 3996
Hanwell, W7
£795,000
A surprisingly spacious period house with an extra loft bedroom, currently in use as two flats. This quiet spot is near river walks and a nature reserve.
Gardiner Residential, 020 3871 8575
Islington, N1
£975,000
A chain-free development opportunity in prime spot near Upper Street and Highbury & Islington station on the Victoria line. The sale includes a parking space.
Hotblack Desiato, 020 3872 6008
Brook Green, W6
£3 million
A grand end-of-terrace house on the green itself, currently divided into five flats. There’s almost 3,000 square feet of space here, including the handy basement.
