Hi, I'm a newbie and looking for some advice on renovation of residential conservation houses.  I see all these really nice photos of renovated residential conservation houses but am wondering how much of a headache they are to renovate/upkeep. 

Assume 2500 sq ft land, footprint of 2000 sq ft on first floor, 2.5 stories, terrace conservation house, and strict conservation rules apply.

Specific questions:

1.  Roughly how much will it cost to completely renovate the conservation house?  Doesn't have to be absolutely top quality renovation, but assume I need to complete gut out the place because the conservation house has never been renovated before.  I'm trying to understand how much more expensive it is to completely renovate a conservation house compared to just buying an "ordinary" terrace and knocking it down to rebuild.

2.  Anyone with experience of roughly how much time the process takes, from engaging architect/PE (including application process) to completion?

3.  Any experience of how troublesome the upkeep of the property is, after renovation is completed? 

4. I understand there are strict rules on external facade of the property.  For interior, are the rules quite relaxed so you can make it completely modern?  Or do you need to keep the old staircases, cannot add two skylights, etc?  

Thanks!

 

There are a lot of guidelines and restrictions when it comes to conservation houses.

if your intention is to self stay, then I would suggest staying clear of them and buy a freehold landed house instead.

An architect who had dealt with conservation houses would be able to give you much better advise.

if you are interested to know more, go and download URA’s handbook on conservation houses and read up.

Thanks, this is very helpful.  This is for self-use although I may resell eventually when I get too old to climb stairs.   I'm attracted by conservation properties being quite rare/special and you get quite a bit of land for the price (probably because you can't build to 3.5 stories).  But I'm worried about cost of renovation.  Anyone with recent experience of how much that will cost, for 2500 sq ft land, footprint of 2000 sq ft on first floor, 2.5 stories, terrace conservation house?  

Thank you.

11 hours ago, propertynewbie said:

Thanks, this is very helpful.  This is for self-use although I may resell eventually when I get too old to climb stairs.   I'm attracted by conservation properties being quite rare/special and you get quite a bit of land for the price (probably because you can't build to 3.5 stories).  But I'm worried about cost of renovation.  Anyone with recent experience of how much that will cost, for 2500 sq ft land, footprint of 2000 sq ft on first floor, 2.5 stories, terrace conservation house?  

Thank you.

Maybe I can be of some help on layout planning & full owner's budget advice. Kindly email your property's infor & your requirement to threecubebuilders@ymail.com