Microflat Renovation Costs £100,000

Noah Dixon, 26, has completed a £100,000 renovation of his 269 sq ft microflat in Islington. The project, which finished in November 2025, has transformed the compact space, introducing a mid-level divider, a mezzanine storage area, and underfloor heating.

A Family Investment

The flat was originally purchased by Dixon's mother around 2013 as an investment property and was rented out for several years. Dixon moved into the property in 2022, spending 18 months assessing its shortcomings. He noted that the original fittings were outdated, the kitchen lacked essential appliances like an oven, and the bathroom was poorly equipped. In 2024, Dixon moved out temporarily, allowing his mother to buy out his share and fund his savings for a deposit. She then decided to undertake a comprehensive redesign of the space.

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Maximising Limited Space

Working with Diego Dalpra, director of CIAO architects, the redesign focused on partitioning the single room. A mid-level divider, constructed from birchwood ply, separates the living area from the bedroom. This feature incorporates a fold-out table on one side and a wardrobe on the other, without obstructing the original window views. The kitchen was relocated and can be sectioned off with a sliding panel. A significant addition is a mezzanine storage area above the kitchen, accessible via a ladder. The renovation also included built-in storage under window seats and a slimline unit at the entrance. Underfloor heating was installed throughout the flat, and a small utility room was created.

The construction process, which began in spring 2025, faced delays due to the confined nature of the site. Adjustments were necessary, such as moving a bathroom wall by approximately two feet to accommodate fittings and revising plans for a desk due to a concrete beam. The bathroom was updated with terrazzo tiles, and a walk-in shower was created within the mezzanine structure. The interior design features a cohesive palette of warm white walls, timber floors, and birch plywood.

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Context and Future Plans

The total cost of the renovation reached £100,000. For context, studio flats in Islington are currently valued between £265,000 and £360,000. Dixon expressed satisfaction with the transformed space, stating it has revolutionised his living situation and made the flat suitable for hosting guests. He plans to reside in the microflat for the next few years, with potential future uses including renting it out or as a London base for his parents.