Can I live in a commercial property?

Cognito

I know it's been asked before, at least on one occasion:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2727359

but (I think) my case is different: I'm looking to buy a freehold commercial property which looks livable, and live there for at least a while...

where do I stand legally, with the council, etc.?

how do I find out if the property is A1, B1, or whatever and how it affects me?

I also found a coupla related links while googling, such as
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/374859/Let-s-all-live-at-the-office

any replies greatly appreciated, but please try to back things up for me as I'm newbie.

thanks

SailorSam

Are you going to use the property for business, or do you intend to convert it ?
I'd check with your Council , lots of places like pubs are closing down and being converted to residential use, so don't see why it can't be possible.

Cognito

I mostly work from home, so yes, but it's not like I'm gonna use it as a store, office where clients walk in, etc.

though of course if it helps to say it is one of those things, I could.

ging84

these is something some people do where they become a 'guardian' of a commercial property not 100% sure on how it works, but i think it is something along the lines of you end up being paid as a guardian and that 'pay' subsidises you renting the your lodgings in the property, so you actually end up paying a small rent to live in a commercial property

davidmcn

How are you funding the purchase? This is a non-starter if you need a mortgage.

Cognito

thanks to you both, but (1) I know about the guardian schemes and not interested atm, and (2) no mortgage involved.

davidmcn

Cognito wrote: »

thanks to you both, but (1) I know about the guardian schemes and not interested atm, and (2) no mortgage involved.

In which case, the risk is that the planning department takes enforcement action against you for your unauthorised use of the property. You'd have the opportunity to make a planning application for change of use (and the fact that you're doing it retrospectively should not, in theory, make a difference to how that is decided).

But really, not an option unless you're treating it as a very temporary accommodation solution, or you're reasonably certain that you'll get permission.

Cognito

thank you can I apply for permission, or enquire about it, before I purchase?

davidmcn

Yes, you'd probably be best to ask the planning dept about their guidance on such applications. And you can make offers conditional on getting permission. But it's pretty unlikely you're going to find anything suitable which hasn't already been snapped up by a developer.

Cognito

thank you

bris

It would almost certainly void any insurance unless everything was declared to the council and the insurance co.


You can't just buy a commercial property and declare it home.