The Distance Travelled · Property Consultancy

Turn unused space
into income

End-to-end conversion consultancy — from garage and annexe transformations to full apartment refurbishments, designed and delivered for the short-let and rental market. Find the potential, manage the build, launch the listing.

What we do

You have the space. We have the eye, the team and the know-how.

Most homes hold untapped value — an unused garage, a tired annexe, a layout that doesn't work. We specialise in transforming those spaces into beautiful, income-generating accommodation. We've done it for our own portfolio and for private clients, managing everything from concept and planning to the finished, listed and earning let.

Case study one

The Garden Annexe, Apsley

Before
Garage before conversion
After
Garden annexe after conversion

A redundant garage transformed into a fully self-contained garden studio annexe — with its own lounge, kitchen, bedroom and private patio. Now one of the highest-earning units in the portfolio, let monthly to professionals and contractors.

Case study two

The St Albans Apartment

Before
Apartment before refurbishment
After
Apartment after refurbishment

Sourced for an overseas client, reconfigured with internal walls removed to open the living space, and finished in polished plaster, marble and brass for the premium let market. Launched as a high-performing short-let before transitioning to a managed long-term tenancy.

Case study three

From proposal to reality — The McCarthy Villa, Accra

Before & after — exterior
McCarthy Villa exterior before and after
Before & after — living room
McCarthy Villa lounge before and after
Before & after — bedroom
McCarthy Villa bedroom before and after

An overseas client commissioned us for their villa in Accra — beginning with a design consultation and full proposal, then carried through to a complete transformation. From tired and dated to a beautifully styled home, ready to welcome guests. Proof that a considered plan, well delivered, changes everything.

How we work

The process

A qualified project manager leads every stage. Fixed scope, transparent budget, weekly updates — no step is a surprise.

01
Step 1 of 5

Brief

A 15-minute call to understand what you want, where you want it, and what success looks like. We listen more than we pitch.

Typically 15 minutes
You get
  • Scope and ambition discussed
  • Budget range pressure-tested
  • Site access and constraints logged
02
Step 2 of 5

Plan & quote

We assess the space, design the layout, check the planning position and return with a clear scope and a fixed, transparent quote.

Typically 3–7 days
You get
  • Outline design & layout
  • Fixed, itemised quote
  • Planning & regulation position
03
Step 3 of 5

Schedule & prep

Trades booked, materials ordered, dates locked in. We de-risk the start so the build runs smoothly from day one.

Typically 1–2 weeks
You get
  • Confirmed start date
  • Trades & materials secured
  • Full project schedule
04
Step 4 of 5

Build

The work happens — managed throughout with weekly updates, so you always know exactly where things stand.

Project dependent
You get
  • Managed build & oversight
  • Weekly progress updates
  • Quality control & sign-off
05
Step 5 of 5

Hand over

Furnished, styled, photographed and ready. We hand you the keys to a finished, earning space — or stay on to manage it for you.

Typically 3 days
You get
  • Furnished & styled space
  • Professional photography
  • Listing ready — or managed for you
Three ways to work together

However much you need

From a clear steer in the right direction to the whole project taken off your hands.

Consultation
A clear, expert assessment of your space and its potential.
from £495 one-off
  • Site visit & assessment
  • Local market analysis
  • Income projection
  • Outline design direction
  • Written recommendations
Book a consultation
Design & Plan
Everything you need to take to a builder — designed and consented.
from £2,500
  • Full design & drawings
  • Material specification
  • Planning & building control
  • Registration guidance
  • Trade sourcing & schedule
Enquire
Full Turnkey
We take the whole project and hand you an earning asset.
% of project
  • End-to-end build management
  • Furnishing & styling
  • Photography & listing
  • Pricing & launch
  • Optional management (10%)
Enquire
Why convert

The case for a conversion

Secondary income

A well-converted annexe or studio can generate a steady monthly income — often £900–£1,400/month in the right location.

Value uplift

A quality conversion typically adds 10–20% to property value and returns £1.20–£1.50 for every £1 invested.

Cost-effective space

Garage conversions cost 60–70% less than an extension — the shell, roof and foundations already exist.

Faster than building

Most conversions complete in 2–4 weeks, with far less disruption than a ground-up extension.

Flexible use

Short-let, monthly let, family annexe or home office — a versatile asset that adapts as your needs change.

Designed to earn

We design specifically for the rental market — spaces that photograph well, review well and command strong rates.

Handled for you

Planning, regulation & compliance

Converting and short-letting comes with real legal and regulatory responsibilities. Part of what we do is make sure these are handled properly — so your income is secure and compliant from day one.

Permitted development

Most internal garage conversions fall under permitted development, but Article 4 areas, conservation areas and any external changes (removing the garage door, new windows) usually require full planning consent.

Building regulations

Conversions almost always need building regulations approval — covering insulation (Part L), damp-proofing, fire safety, ventilation and structure. A completion certificate is essential for future sale.

Change of use

Outside London, intensive short-letting can amount to a "material change of use." A new C5 short-let use class and council Article 4 powers mean the planning position must be checked carefully.

Short-let registration

England's mandatory short-term let registration scheme requires every let property to register and display a registration number. We guide you through it.

Safety & certification

Gas safety, electrical (EICR), smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and fire safety are all legal requirements for let accommodation — non-negotiable and built into every project.

Tax & management

Short-let income is taxable property income (the Furnished Holiday Let regime ended April 2025). We advise on management options and ongoing compliance, and can manage the let for you.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Planning and regulation vary by authority and change frequently — we confirm the specific position for your property and recommend independent advice where appropriate.

Let's see what your space could do

Book an initial consultation and we'll tell you honestly what's possible — the potential income, the likely cost, and the right way to get there.

The Distance Travelled · Property Consultancy · Hertfordshire
thedistancetravelled.com