3 bed but has 4 beds

first78

I'm currently house hunting and have seen a property marketed as a 3 bed but there are clearly 4 beds from the pics and the description. Looks like they have a lift conversion. I'm guessing that they may have done the conversion without the relevant permissions. My question is, would it be a big headache buying somewhere like this? 

Grumpelstiltskin

Lift conversion? I think you mean loft conversion.
Yes I guess it doesn't meet building regs. So ask the question.

AdrianC

There is absolutely no way to know.

All you can say right now for 100% certain is that the photos and description don't quite tally. Anything more is supposition.

Assuming it IS a case of the conversion not having been signed off, perhaps it was done badly, perhaps the paperwork was simply omitted. Perhaps it was done to the then-current regs when the work started, but so slowly that by the time it was finished they'd changed and it didn't meet the new ones.

Happy to share the RM listing?

first78

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82593247.html

Grumpelstiltskin

The listing clearly says 3 bedrooms plus attic, so is it priced as a 3 or 4 bedroom?
If you are happy with it as a 3 bedroom then no problem. 

blue_max_3

Nice house! Just ask the agent/seller. Sure they will give you the answer. 

AdrianC

first78 said:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82593247.html

That all looks rather nice. I wouldn't have many qualms about that, at least as far as going and viewing...

Silvertabby

The 'attic room' seems to be nicely done.  Perhaps it doesn't meet current building regs (fire escape?) which is why the EA couldn't/wouldn't list it as a bedroom.

RobM99

Silvertabby said:

The 'attic room' seems to be nicely done.  Perhaps it doesn't meet current building regs (fire escape?) which is why the EA couldn't/wouldn't list it as a bedroom.

I'm no expert, just expressing an opinion, but I agree with Tabby. My guess is an attic bedroom must have proper access/egress in case of fire. 

first78

AdrianC said:

first78 said:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82593247.html

That all looks rather nice. I wouldn't have many qualms about that, at least as far as going and viewing...

Is there anything I should be asking when I go and view? I'm just wary as I've read online it may be hard to get a mortgage if the correct paperwork isn't done or if the conversion doesn't comply with building regs. 

AdrianC

Do you even know when it was converted?
It only had to apply to the then-current regs at the time of conversion. They will almost certainly be very different to the current ones now.
If it was done a long while ago, no regs may have even been required.

One thing's for sure - unless it was done recently, there's sweet FA the local authority can do about it.

Will a lender refuse point blank to lend because of it? Unlikely. They may simply not take it into account in their valuation.