Which Adds More Value to Your Home?
When improving your home, few investments offer the same combination of lifestyle enhancement and financial return as a glazed extension. But if you're weighing up the options, one question rises to the top time and again: Does an orangery add more value than a conservatory?
The short answer? Yes, typically, orangeries do add more value to a home than conservatories. But why is that the case? And what factors influence the return on investment for either option?
At Hallmark Glazed Extensions, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners design, build and enjoy beautiful, high-performance glazed extensions across the South East and far further afield.
Here’s our in-depth guide to the orangery vs conservatory value question, helping you make the best decision for your property, your lifestyle, and your future sale price.
Understanding the Difference
Before we start looking into figures, let’s clarify the basics:
This structure gives orangeries a more ‘room-like’ feel, which is a crucial factor in their higher property value uplift.
Which Adds More Value? A Conservatory or an Orangery?
Multiple UK property experts confirm the trend: orangeries consistently add more value than conservatories.
Single-storey extensions, such as orangeries, can boost property values by 10-15% on average, depending on the quality and size of the installation.
Well designed conservatories can still add significant value, especially when designed with modern glazing and heating options. Still, their resale impact is typically closer to 5-10%, particularly if they date back to older styles prone to heat regulation issues.
Aesthetics and Usability Drive Value
Buyers are drawn to orangeries because they feel more like a natural extension of the home. The increased insulation, year-round usability, and solid design make them more comparable to traditional brick-built extensions.
That perceived permanence translates into higher kerb appeal and more value at sale.
Factors That Influence the Value of Your Glazed Extension
While orangeries offer more value overall, several key factors affect the final return on investment:
1. Insulation and Thermal Performance
A warm room in winter and a cool retreat in summer isn’t just about comfort; it’s about long-term usability. Buyers value year-round functionality. Orangeries, with their combination of solid walls and efficient roofing, typically outperform conservatories in this regard.
At Hallmark Glazed Extensions, we use market-leading high specification glazing and construction techniques to deliver high-performing extensions that are genuinely comfortable throughout all the seasons.
2. Design Cohesion
Extensions that feel bolted on, or worse, dated, can devalue a home. Whether you choose an orangery or a conservatory, the key is to ensure the design blends with your home’s character. Make sure the extension is usable room size and something the house deserves.
We take the time to match materials, colours, proportions and detailing to your property, delivering a glazed extension that looks like it was always meant to be there.
3. Planning Permission Perception & Building Control
Despite popular belief, in the UK, the planning implications and permitted development rules are the same for any type of extension, whether described as a conservatory, orangery, garden room or a traditional brick built with a tiled roof. This is regardless of the quality or value of the work.
However, building regulations are a separate issue and to summarise, an extension with at least 75% roof glazed and 50% of the walls glazed is called a conservatory. So long as the floor area is less than 30 sq.m. and has an external quality door between the house and the extension, with independent heating will usually be exempt from building regulations. All extensions with less than a 75% glazed roof will be subject to building regulations inspections and certification.
4. Build Quality and Craftsmanship
The most significant factor? Quality.
Prefabricated kits or inexpensive add-ons may seem like a cost-effective option, but they rarely stand the test of time. Bespoke designs, such as those created by Hallmark Glazed Extensions, are purpose-built for your home, offering superior construction, thermal efficiency, and a stunning aesthetic finish.
How Much Does an Orangery Add to Property Value?
Let’s look at rough figures:
Extension Type | Average Cost (UK) | Estimated Uplift in Property Value |
|---|---|---|
Basic uPVC Conservatory | £25,000 – £35,000 | 3–5% (if well maintained) |
Modern Conservatory | £40,000 – £70,000 | Up to 5–10% |
Orangery | £70,000 – £150,000 | 10-15% or more |
On a property valued at £500,000, a well-designed orangery could add up to £60,000 in value, potentially eclipsing the investment, especially if energy performance and design are executed well (prices may vary depending on the area and economy).
Orangery Property Value: A Real-Life Example
We recently worked with a family in Sussex who were debating between a traditional conservatory and a more substantial orangery.
They opted for a bespoke hardwood orangery with a roof lantern, integrated heating, and aluminium bifold doors opening onto the patio. The project cost £85,000, and within nine months of completion, the property was revalued at £95,000 more than its pre-extension valuation, yielding a return that exceeded the cost of the build.
They didn’t just gain resale value, they doubled their usable ground floor area and gained a stunning open-plan dining and family space that enhanced their quality of life from day one.
Why Choose Hallmark Glazed Extensions?
At Hallmark Glazed Extensions, we don’t build one-size-fits-all extensions. We design each orangery or conservatory to add meaningful space, value, and style to your home. Here’s what sets us apart:
Bespoke Design & Expert Guidance
We work closely with you to create a tailored design that reflects your vision and complements your property. Our consultation process is valuation-led, focused on what will bring long-term returns, not just short-term satisfaction.
High-Performance Materials
Whether it’s energy-efficient glazing, sustainably sourced timber, or durable aluminium, we only use materials we trust to last, and that’s a key reason why our builds retain their value.
Experienced Local Team
We’re proud to serve homeowners across Sussex, the South East, and beyond with personal service, local expertise, and a genuine passion for craftsmanship. Our glowing reviews and returning clients speak for themselves.
Still Unsure Which Extension Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
If you answered yes to any of these, an orangery may be the best choice for you.
The True Value of an Orangery
When comparing orangery vs conservatory value, it’s clear that orangeries come out on top, not just in terms of resale uplift, but also in how they transform the way you live in your home.
A well-designed orangery offers:
And when built by a specialist like Hallmark Glazed Extensions, it’s not just a beautiful addition, it’s a smart investment.
Ready to Explore the Value You Could Unlock?
Your home has more potential than you think. Let’s bring it to life with a glazed extension designed around beauty, performance and long-term value.
Call us on 01323 671007
Or book your free design consultation today
Hallmark Glazed Extensions – where vision, value, and craftsmanship come together.
FAQs
1. Which adds more value to a home: an orangery or a conservatory?
In most cases, an orangery adds more value than a conservatory. While conservatories can boost value by around 5-10%, orangeries often increase a property’s worth by 10–15% or more, thanks to their solid structure, architectural integration, and year-round usability.
2. Why do orangeries add more value than conservatories?
Orangeries feel like an actual room within the home. They often feature brick piers, plastered ceilings, and a roof lantern, making them feel more permanent and functional throughout the year. This ‘real room’ appeal is highly attractive to buyers, boosting both kerb appeal and sale price.
3. How much value could an orangery add to my home?
A well-designed orangery can add 15% or more to your property’s value. For example, a £500,000 home with a bespoke orangery could immediately see an uplift of £50,000–£75,000, particularly if the extension has strong thermal performance, quality craftsmanship and is designed with a strong Wow! factor.
4. Do conservatories still increase property value?
Yes, but typically to a lesser extent. A basic conservatory can add around 5% to your home’s value, while a modern, high-spec conservatory may reach 10%. However, older conservatories that struggle with heat regulation can detract from your home’s appeal if not upgraded. On the other hand, well designed, high specification hardwood and oak conservatories can add significantly more.
5. What features make an orangery more valuable?
Key features that drive value in an orangery include high insulation, integrated heating, durable roofing, and design cohesion with the rest of the property. At Hallmark Glazed Extensions, we design every orangery to complement your home’s style and maximise year-round comfort.
6. Do I need planning permission for an orangery or conservatory?
As previously stated, the planning implications and permitted development rules are the same for any type of extension, whether described as a conservatory, orangery, garden room or a traditional brick built with a tiled roof. This is regardless of the quality or value of the work. There is no reason to engage an architect for planning, as we can deal with this in-house. In fact, we deal with the planning applications for listed buildings, which accounts for over 45% of our work.
7. How important is build quality to property value?
Crucial. A poorly built extension can reduce your home’s value. That’s why, at Hallmark Glazed Extensions, we use only high-performance glazing, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship, ensuring your investment adds real long-term value. All our work is carried out with due regard to building regulations. No short-cuts!
8. Can an orangery or conservatory be used all year round?
Yes. With solid elements, thermal glazing, and high-quality construction, a Hallmark orangery provides exceptional comfort in every season, something that many traditional conservatories struggle to offer without costly upgrades. All Hallmark Glazed Extensions are glazed to a standard that will ensure they are NOT too hot in Summer or too cold in Winter.
9. What’s the return on investment for a high-quality orangery?
A bespoke orangery can deliver a return on investment that exceeds the build cost. In one Sussex case, Hallmark Glazed Extensions built an orangery which added £95,000 to the home’s value in just nine months, showing how innovative design and build can pay off.
10. Why choose Hallmark Glazed Extensions for your orangery or conservatory?
We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every glazed extension is tailored to your property and lifestyle, using only trusted materials and expert techniques. With end-to-end project management and a valuation-led design approach, Hallmark ensures you gain space, comfort, and value that lasts.
