Of course, planning is only part of the process and store conversions take care and imagination to go well: not all commercial premises make good homes. Avoid shops on busy streets – no one wants to live between a bookie and a fried chicken shop. Some units are cramped, deep, and dark, and have little or no outdoor space (the kiss of death in the post-pandemic housing market).

Design is key, said Jo Gale of Dexters Estate Agents. “Homebuyers can be wary of commercial conversions, so spend more time on the design and details – a good architect and designer will work wonders with difficult spaces.”

The actual construction work to convert a shop or office is fairly straightforward, said Danny Rowe of builder West Space London, who converted the bike shop. “The building is already there and most commercial properties are well insulated, structurally sound and supplied with water and electricity. The rest is largely cosmetic,” he said.

Mr Rowe recommended budgeting £150 per square foot in the South East and £90 elsewhere in the country, due to varying construction costs. Conversions are generally faster and easier than new builds, and a smoother introduction to development for beginners.

If you’re looking for a conversion project, choose something original, recommended interior designer Katherine Mahoney of Inner Pieces. “Some commercial buildings have real charm, and if converted with care, preserving original features and using materials and colors that are true to the original, they can fetch a high price,” he said. she declared.

At the bike shop, she was inspired by its industrial character – the storefront was retained, the original flooring restored and the Crittall-style steel windows brought to life.