Local Occupancy Clause - help?

Laikasamess

I'm 18 and I need to shift my inheritance, so I want to put it into buying a house. Problem is, the only one I can afford has a Local Occupancy Clause attached to this. Would I qualify for this if I were to put the offer in and buy it, but still need to live in my current (rented) accommodation until term ends? My fiance can move in right away as he is going to the same university that I wish to attend already. Thanks in advance!

davidmcn

Can you tell us what the local occupancy clause says? It seems unlikely it would oblige you to move in immediately.

Laikasamess

The listing doesn't say anything about exactly what it is and I can't find anything on the council website. I've googled it and I'm getting some conflicting results - one source says you must have lived in the area for at least 3 years to qualify, whereas another one says that it's simply a measure to avoid using the house as a holiday home. Neither of these are from the council of the county which I would apply to live in as they were both in England, and the house is in Wales. I'm sorry I can't be of any more use, but I've really drawn a blank. Would it be reasonable to ring the council in tomorrow to ask do you reckon?

getmore4less

What is your connection to the local area?

davidmcn

If you can find the planning application online then that may well provide more information.

Slithery

Laikasamess wrote: »

...one source says you must have lived in the area for at least 3 years to qualify, whereas another one says that it's simply a measure to avoid using the house as a holiday home. Neither of these are from the council of the county which I would apply to live in as they were both in England, and the house is in Wales.

So both the sources you have looked at so far are irrelevant. You need to look at the policy of the local council where the property is situated along with the planning permission.

Davesnave

Slithery wrote: »

So both the sources you have looked at so far are irrelevant. You need to look at the policy of the local council where the property is situated along with the planning permission.

Yes, the web site of the council where the house is situated may have a copy of the original planning documents on-line where the occupancy clause is mentioned.

But getmore4less's question is also pertinent: what's your connection with the local area and how long have you resided there?

evanowen

Did you get it sorted? If it is a former council house it will be a Section 157 of the housing act, if it it a planning restriction it could be a Section 52 or Section 106 planning obligation or even a planning condition.