Annex or not Annex Airbnb

todayisagreatday

We are in the early stages of working on some designs for completing remodelling our bungalow we purchased at Easter. One of our initial ideas was to build a double garage in place of one of the outbuildings (which we need regardless) but to perhaps create an additional 'hobby' space with bathroom so that it could have multiple uses and potentially double up as Airbnb rental (we live in a touristy area and popular with walker's etc) as we wouldn't like Aibnb'ers to have access to our main house. The issues we can forsee are getting soakaways and septic tank facilities to the double garage which may prove quite difficult and expensive as it's about 5-6 car lengths away from the main house (and regardless the septic tank and soakaways need replacing).

One other option is to look at trying to create some sort of Airbnb/living area within the main house as electric, drains, sewerage would obviously all be easier to connect. Potentially we are thinking that that we could have external steps so that Aibnb'ers or guests could then access this without being able to go into the house....

Has anyone ever come across anything similar? Am I right in thinking an annex is only an annex if it isn't connected to the main house?

PasturesNew

Two separate properties leads you into all manner of problems - from planning (as you're creating a new home), to having to pay an additional/separate council tax on it, then having trouble when selling as it's two dwellings and people struggle with mortgages and double council tax.

If you're going down the AirBNB route then, quite honestly, a £1k caravan tucked in the corner of your garden would suffice but, still check planning as it'd be a "holiday let", so you need to work out what's allowed/not in your area.

Slithery

todayisagreatday wrote: »

Am I right in thinking an annex is only an annex if it isn't connected to the main house?

No.
nononononono

foxy-stoat

Arrrr, you can advertise a B and Q shed with carpet in and an extension lead nailed to the wall as a plush log cabin and take clever photos, take the money off the poor saps in advance and when they turn up they will have not a single leg to stand on and drive off, and you wont need to refund them - English Law you see.

I really would spend too much time effort making it what it should be if your Air BnBing it.

todayisagreatday

PasturesNew wrote: »

Two separate properties leads you into all manner of problems - from planning (as you're creating a new home), to having to pay an additional/separate council tax on it, then having trouble when selling as it's two dwellings and people struggle with mortgages and double council tax.

If you're going down the AirBNB route then, quite honestly, a £1k caravan tucked in the corner of your garden would suffice but, still check planning as it'd be a "holiday let", so you need to work out what's allowed/not in your area.

We have a little summer house, perhaps I should offer this as 'glamping', though the toilet situation could be an issue

We would like it to be habitable and still have a use for us too, e.g. office, gym or when my parents come over etc etc but it's trying to make it so there is a separate entrance too. I mean there could be a locked door in between the two areas but I'd want a separate external entrance so our parents or others didn't have access to the main house if we weren't in

hazyjo

Have a good think about how much it will cost, why you want to do it, and what value it might add or detract from your property.


If you're planning a garage with another level on top, how much more to put that second floor on? It's unlikely that at £30 a night, or whatever you'll be charging, will go very far in justifying the expense.


I briefly thought about converting my loft and thought it would be ideal for airbnb guests and a guest room/hobby room, but then realised I was mad considering spending £35k+ for that. If we run out of space or require more, I'll do it. But it would be cheaper for me to pay for my guests (airbnb or even friends on a free night over) to stay in a nearby hotel than to convert my loft!

Ozzuk

Lots of variables as others have mentioned. Do you want to move in a few years, you could be making resale very difficult. Run a business from it...tax returns etc (not that hard though). Increased insurance costs. Strangers in your house. Double council tax. Do you have a mortgage? They may have something to say.

Obviously it can work out, could bring in some nice money, just don't forget all the above!

avacapri

that may be law but its not how it works in practice Airbnb keep the money until a guest has checked in and is happy, they will not release the funds to the home owner if the guest believes the property is not as advertised.
I know it is off point but that's how they work