Shop to Apartment Conversion
West Hampstead, NW6

Project Brief

Our client — a property developer with several NW London projects under their belt — acquired a vacant ground-floor retail unit in West Hampstead. The space had been empty for over two years and was in need of full structural assessment and complete conversion to residential use. The brief was clear: create a high-quality, two-bedroom apartment that would attract premium rental or resale values in this sought-after part of NW6.

Challenges

Our Approach

Our planning team prepared and submitted a full planning application supported by a heritage impact statement and daylight/sunlight assessment. Planning permission was secured within 10 weeks of submission, incorporating conditions around the new facade materials and landscaping.

Once consent was granted, our structural engineer designed a lightweight steel frame to form the new internal partition structure, tie back to the retained party walls, and support a mezzanine storage space. Groundworks included a new concrete raft with a Type C structural waterproofing system to address latent damp risk.

The interior layout prioritised light — with the principal bedroom and open-plan kitchen-living space positioned to face the street and receive maximum daylight through the new full-height windows. A rear courtyard garden was created from a previously concreted service yard, adding private outdoor space.

Specification Highlights

• Bespoke handleless kitchen with Corian worktops and integrated appliances
• Engineered oak flooring throughout living areas
• Principal bathroom with freestanding bath, heated towel rail, and full-height tiling
• Underfloor heating to ground floor throughout
• Smart home wiring: multi-room audio, lighting control, and video entry
• New external courtyard with raised planters and hardwood decking

Outcome

The completed apartment was let within two weeks of completion at a rental yield above the client's target. The quality of finish and the intelligent use of the available footprint received strong praise from both the estate agent and prospective tenants. The project was delivered on programme and within 3% of the agreed fixed price.