PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.

Buying a smaller property with a view to extending it

Hi

I just wanted to understand the whole process. We're well into our house hunt and was wondering if we can adopt the strategy of buying a smaller (=cheaper) property with a view to extending it to a 4 bed. The price difference is around £75k. So it will be a 3 bed with scope to extend. The only risk I see in this strategy is what if planning permission isn't granted? I know people normally say just see if any other house has done it on the street. But are there are other more proven methods I can minimise the risk? The last thing I want is to buy, apply and get rejected, which would mean wasted time, stamp duty and hassle. Thanks for sharing.

Comments

  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,763
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    edited 11 July 2017 at 5:53PM
    The Planning Portal contains information about Permitted Development And what is allowed.

    Local authorities also have something called Strategic Planning Guidance on their website. This should contain a section on extensions and shows what they would usually expect.

    Some LA's offer planning surgeries where you can pop along and chat to a olanning officer, but these are becoming less common.

    You can apply for pre-application advice on whether a scheme stands to be approved. This is chargeable, usually and takes some time to come back. You probably want to submit a proper scheme in conjunction with an architect.

    You can ask an architect out to look at a property, but do look at the guidance available on the internet first, so that you can at least get an incling of what might be allowed.

    Be careful with budgets. £75k doesn't go a long way on a two storey extension.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • Slithery
    Slithery Posts: 6,046
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post Photogenic
    Forumite
    You could always try and gain planning permission before purchasing the property :)
  • Bluebell1000
    Bluebell1000 Posts: 1,060
    First Post First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Forumite
    Doozergirl wrote: »

    Be careful with budgets. £75k doesn't go a long way on a two storey extension.

    That probably depends on where you are in the country. Our two storey extension in the East Mids cost about £50k all in 3 years ago (extra bedroom upstairs, kitchen, porch, toilet and large conservatory downstairs).
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    Slithery wrote: »
    You could always try and gain planning permission before purchasing the property :)
    Indeed, the only no-risk method is to make a conditional offer, and get the seller into a contract while you sort out planning - but how attractive is that going to be to the sellers if other buyers are happy to take it as it is?
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Posts: 17,510
    Photogenic Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    A 3 bed extended house is rarely as good as purpose built 4 bed.
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • Owain_Moneysaver
    Owain_Moneysaver Posts: 11,357
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Forumite
    A 3 bed extended house is rarely as good as purpose built 4 bed.

    Depends on what you want - a lot of 4-bedroom houses are actually no bigger than a 3-bed in total size.

    And if you want hobbies rooms etc then a ground floor extension can provide that extra living space without the premium you would pay for a house with more bedrooms.
    A kind word lasts a minute, a skelped erse is sair for a day.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,763
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    A 3 bed extended house is rarely as good as purpose built 4 bed.

    I think that's a poor generalisation.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,763
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    That probably depends on where you are in the country. Our two storey extension in the East Mids cost about £50k all in 3 years ago (extra bedroom upstairs, kitchen, porch, toilet and large conservatory downstairs).

    You are certainly the exception, rather than the rule. That would be hard to achieve anywhere.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.8K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 606.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.7K Life & Family
  • 247.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards