No planning permission for extension?

Amanda_Cm

Ftb here. Buying a house with an old extension. Vendor purchased the house in 2000 and says the two storey extension was build before that.
Our solicitor seems to be ok with the lack of paper work but I am not really. Tried to research the matter and I am thinking about indemnity insurance but that's going to slow down the process and make it extra complicated maybe. On top of that there is not even single electro or gas certificate. Don't know if that's common.
Does anyone here has real life experience with similar issue?
Th

GDB2222

Amanda_Cm wrote: »

Ftb here. Buying a house with an old extension. Vendor purchased the house in 2000 and says the two storey extension was build before that.
Our solicitor seems to be ok with the lack of paper work but I am not really. Tried to research the matter and I am thinking about indemnity insurance but that's going to slow down the process and make it extra complicated maybe. On top of that there is not even single electro or gas certificate. Don't know if that's common.
Does anyone here has real life experience with similar issue?
Th

Planning permission is not a problem after so long. The extension may not have been approved by Building Control, but if it has stood up for 20 years it's probably okay. You should get a full survey done. The surveyor might recommend digging a trial pit to check the depth of the foundations. You can also check with BC to see whether they did inspect it.

As to gas and electricity, get qualified tradesmen in to test these.

If none of this appeals, find somewhere else to buy.

G_M

18+ years ago? Council will never enforce planning law now so indemnity insurance is pointless.

Many (most?) properties have no gas/electric certificates. If you are concerned, pay an electrician/gas engineer to inspect.

bengalknights

You could check with local council chances are it would have been registered but the owner may not know about it

martindow

bengalknights wrote: »

You could check with local council chances are it would have been registered but the owner may not know about it

You need to be cautious if you are buying with a mortgage. If they demand a (pointless) indemnity policy this would be invalid if you have already contacted the council.

Amanda_Cm

Thank you everyone!

parking_question_chap

Over 4 years so cant take action.

Would be more bothered about checking for building regulations though.

Mickygg

Indemnity insurance won't slow the process. It's a nonsense insurance that the solicitior will arrange and you pay for it.

I had it done and it was arranged quickly.

I wouldn't worry about paperwork as 18 years has gone by and just get the insurance done as a just in case, even though it's nonsense.

As above full buildings survey highlighting the extension as a concern is a must.

Smodlet

Only rental properties require a gas safety certificate. I'm pretty sure only houses of multiple occupation require an electrical safety certificate. If I'm wrong, no doubt G_M will correct me.

There should be an EPC though.