A loft conversion is a popular way of adding extra space and value to a property. However, buying a house with a loft conversion can also come with some challenges and risks.
This
guide will help you when buying a property with a converted loft and how to
sell a home with a converted loft.
What to look out for when buying a house with a loft conversion
When you are buying a home with a conversion, there are two aspects you need to check: planning permission and building regulations.
This
is something that your conveyancing solicitor will be able to check for you.
Planning
permission
Planning
permission is the approval from the local authority that allows you to make
changes to your property. Depending on the type and size of the loft
conversion, it may not require planning permission.
Generally,
these conversions will fall within what’s known as ‘permitted development’
rights and do not need planning permission, but they MUST meet certain
criteria, such as:
- Not exceeding the highest part of the roof
- Not extending beyond the plane of the existing roof slope
- For a terraced home, this should not exceed 40 cubic metres
- For a semi- or detached home, this shouldn’t be more than 50
cubic metres
- Must not include any verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- The conversion uses materials that are similar in appearance
to the existing house
However,
if the converted loft doesn’t meet these criteria, then you or the seller will
need to apply to the local authority for retrospective planning permission.
Fortunately,
applying for permission is easy and can be done online. This process can take
up to eight weeks to complete and will carry a fee. You, or the seller, will
need to comply with any conditions or restrictions that the planning permission
imposes.
We
think it’s always best to check with the local authority whether planning
permission is needed – just in case! (You could also read the Government’s
guide to the technical
guidance for permitted developments).
You
should also check that the conversion work carried out matches the planning
permission that was granted and that there are no outstanding issues or
complaints.
Buying a
house with an unapproved loft conversion
If
you are buying a house with an unapproved loft conversion, that’s without planning
permission, you should be very careful.
That’s
because you may be liable for any breaches of planning control and face
enforcement action from the local authority.
This
could result in you having to remove the conversion, pay a fine or even face
legal action.
If
you or the seller can get retrospective consent, then that will be a solution.
If
not, then it might be best for you to walk away from the purchase because the value
and saleability of it will be affected. There will also be potential
difficulties when a lender carries out a mortgage valuation.