Potential loft conversion - checking it out before we buy

MascaraMinx · 2 September 2006 at 4:21PM

The leasehold flat we are about to buy has a huge loft space which has not yet been converted. We are considering that this would be a good move in a couple of years when we have got some savings behind us. My question is - what do I need to do to make sure that we would be allowed to convert?

How do we check that there is nothing in the lease preventing us - is this something our solicitor will do as a matter of course or do I need to specifically ask for this to be done (and will there be a charge?)

And does anyone know what common reasons are for planning permission to be refused for something like this?

clutton_2 · 2 September 2006 at 4:46PM

ask your solicitor, no extra charge, he has to read the lease anyway - its whether the other leaseholders will agree or not which will be a big issue. look in the street and see if other houses have done what you want to do - if they have, planners clearly accepted those, why not yours.

silvercar · 2 September 2006 at 5:43PM

Do check that the loft space is part of the flat lease, there is another thread today about loft space being sold off.

BobProperty · 2 September 2006 at 6:50PM

Just re-read this after looking at the "roof for sale" thread. I'm guessing this is a conversion. I would expect to have to pay the freeholder something for allowing you to do this.