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using apartment as office

scottym
scottym Posts: 1 Newbie
in House buying, renting & selling
Wonderful site!
I was wondering if anyone out there knew the rules regarding using a city centre apartment as a working office?

The situation is- my wife and I currently own a city centre apartment and we're now looking to move into a house. Also my business is expanding and I'm in desperate need of some office space.

Is there any problem with me renting/converting my apartment into an office, putting it on buy to let and then my business renting it from my wife and I? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Hope someone can shed light.
Thank you in advance,
Scott

Comments

  • poppysarah
    poppysarah Posts: 11,522 Forumite
    You can't use it solely as office space. Bound to be against so many rules. You'd have to pay business rates.

    Ask council about small business space. Some have centres where you can rent office space, desk or huge complex of rooms.
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Posts: 19,449 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    It is doubtful you would get planning permission for change of use if it is in purpose built block. Also terms of lease or covenant may not allow business use.
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    You'll need to apply to the council for change of use. Hard.
    Without that you'll never get business insurance, and normal household insurance would be invalid.
    And don't start me on H&S!
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    scottym wrote: »
    Wonderful site!
    I was wondering if anyone out there knew the rules regarding using a city centre apartment as a working office?

    The situation is- my wife and I currently own a city centre apartment and we're now looking to move into a house. Also my business is expanding and I'm in desperate need of some office space.

    Is there any problem with me renting/converting my apartment into an office, putting it on buy to let and then my business renting it from my wife and I? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

    Hope someone can shed light.
    Thank you in advance,
    Scott

    Your lease will also spell out what the apartment may not be used for.
  • Fire_Fox
    Fire_Fox Posts: 26,026 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Long leases do not usually allow the flat to be used as business premises. You might apply to the managing agents to vary the lease (expensive) and the council for planning permission but chances are one or more of your neighbours will object.
    Declutterbug-in-progress.⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
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