Granny annex

dori2o

I'm trying to do some research for my parents.

My Nan has been on her own now for 5 years and is struggling to live on her own. She's not eating properly and has been in hospital a few times over the last year.

Her bungalow is worth about £130k and she wants to move somewhere larger (why I don't know as there is only her)

There are a few 3 bed houses she has looked at but all need renovating, but she is not against this.

My mum and dad have come up with a suggestion to let her move into their house if she funds the building of a granny annex onto the side of the house.

The house is on a corner plot so there is at least a further house footprint available on the side of the house.

This would have many benefits for my Nan i.e. her own bedroom, bathroom, living room etc if there was a single story extension built, or if it went to a double, she could effectively have her own house with everything contained.

My mum and dad would be available to help her 24/7, and she would have access to travel via my parents car.

It all looks like a win win situation, but I'm looking for advice on any possible downfalls to the plan.

(planning permission shouldn't be a problem as other houses in the same street have large double extensions to the side and rear elevations)

pmlindyloo

First of all you say that she is looking for somewhere larger and then you talk about her moving into a granny flat (probably smaller than where she is now)

What does your nan think about this?

It can certainly be done but you would need to sort it out properly with a solicitor as if your nan needs residential care it may all become very problematical and could be seen as deprivation of capital.

On the relationship side of this it is a minefield. Speaking from experience, living with an elderly mother/mother-in-law can be very demanding on your parents' time. Of course it depends on personalities and how capable your Nan is. Not a decision to be taken lightly.

If every one is happy with the idea then it is imperative that you get professional legal advice as regards the deprivation of capital issue.

keystone

dori2o wrote: »

My Nan ................. is struggling to live on her own. She's not eating properly..................wants a bigger property

and not thinking properly either.

My mum and dad have come up with a suggestion to let her move into their house if she funds the building of a granny annex onto the side of the house.

Speaking from experience thats not a good idea. Puts enormous stress on family relationships. If shes capable of independent living then a smaller place within 5 or ten minutes of your parents is a far better solution IMO and keep it to one floor because sooner of later she's going to struggle with stairs so deal with it now while you have the opportunity.

Cheers

PS ask admin to delete your second duplicate thread.

dori2o

Thanks for the replies.

She's already in a small 2 bed bungalow only 5 minutes from mum and dad who already run around for her (cooking/shopping/taking her to and from doctors/hospital appointments). If it was possible they'd just let my nan move into the house but there's not enough room. After being married for 60+ years it must be hard now to live alone. Thats probably why my mums always on the phone to her.

It also resolves the problem with the anti-social drug dealing neighbours that have moved in next door who have made her life a living hell since.

The thinking is ideally a single story extension large enough so she has a small kitchen area a living room, bathroom and bedroom. The extension will have access to the main house but will have a lockable door should my nan wish to keep herself to herself.

This would allow them to spend time together when they want to but also keep themselves separate. The extension would also have direct access to the garden.

keystone

dori2o wrote: »

After being married for 60+ years it must be hard now to live alone. Thats probably why my mums always on the phone to her.

Yes its extraordinarily difficult. My mum and dad were married for nearly 50 and he's been on his own now for 9. If the bungalow she's in now was the one she shared with her husband then this wil dwell even more. My dad was the same. It took me 8 years to get him out of that house after she went but now he has he's as happy as larry in his own flat and with a much more positive mental attitude.

It also resolves the problem with the anti-social drug dealing neighbours that have moved in next door who have made her life a living hell since.

OK so thats the principal driver then. Yes perhaps you'll need to move her then BUT the neighbour situation might have a negative effect on the sales price that you'll realise.

The thinking is ideally a single story extension large enough so she has a small kitchen area a living room, bathroom and bedroom. The extension will have access to the main house but will have a lockable door should my nan wish to keep herself to herself.

That seems more sensible and preserves her independence. I had the impression that you were considering an extension that effectively meant "all under one single roof" without independent access. Thats what doesn't work. We tried that with my mothers father years ago - absolute disaster for everyone. Sorry if I misunderstood you.

Cheers

Mojisola

Does your Nan have any other children who might be expecting some inheritance and won't get it because the capital is tied up in your parents' extended house?

I know no-one has a right to an inheritance but, if you don't want to cause rifts in families, it's something that needs to be considered.

dori2o

Mojisola wrote: »

Does your Nan have any other children who might be expecting some inheritance and won't get it because the capital is tied up in your parents' extended house?

I know no-one has a right to an inheritance but, if you don't want to cause rifts in families, it's something that needs to be considered.

There is one other child, but my nan has said it's her money she'll do what she wants with it.

Plus my aunty is never anywhere to be seen when my nan needs help.

keystone

Thats very true. It doesn't become an inheritance until she dies and then only whats in the estate. Having said that then perhaps there might be an informal agreement between the siblings that those who have benefitted (in terms of property value increase) might equalise the balance by the other sibling getting a greater percentage of cash than 50% but it could also be argued that the benefit gained has been offset by the investment in time etc required to provide care for the elderly parent as the sibling doesn't seem to want to know.

Of course none of this suggestion has the force of law behind it. Its only the will that counts as regards the estate as it stands on the date of death. Thats unless the Revenue take a different view of course wrt inheritance tax.

Cheers