Remove annexe?

yar_s

Contemplating buying a property with a detached annexe (with kitchen, bathroom and bedroom).  We don't actually want an annexe at all, it is just that this particular property is perfect for us in every other way except for the existence of the annexe!

Annexes, from what I understand, are a bit of a nightmare for mortgages, council tax, SDLT, etc...  This annexe has the appropriate permissions and is on a separate council tax band, meaning we'd have to pay two lots of council tax. 

In order to avoid this, we are thinking of converting the annexe into a simple shed / outbuilding for storage.  Is this possible to do so without planning permission?  How would one go about getting it removed as a dwelling from the council tax register?

Or is it better to forget about it and find a property without an annexe instead?  This house ticks all our boxes and is beautiful inside out, perfect location for us.  Everything is perfect, except the existence of the annexe...

paulj2021

If the annex is a problem perhaps you can have it demolished? Can’t be taxed if it no longer exists!

AnotherJoe

I suspect you would lose a lot of money by removing it.

user1977

Also, from the point of view of any difficulties with a mortgage, what will matter is what the property comprises on the completion date. Lenders are unlikely to trust you to do work after completion, so you'd have to persuade the vendor to do the work first (or you fund the purchase another way and later remortgage).

secla

Would you be significantly reducing the value of the property aswell by removing an annexe ?
If so you may have to get agreement from your mortgage company depending on LTV and how much value you would be knocking off the property

LornPL

I think if you remove the kitchen it can be classed as ancillary accomodation, rather than a self contained annex and taxation is different. 

yar_s

Thank you all for the input, it sounds like the annexe is more trouble than it is worth given we don't really need/want it.  Back to the drawing board! :-) 

Jeepers_Creepers

"This house ticks all our boxes and is beautiful inside out, perfect location for us.  Everything is perfect, except the existence of the annexe..."

Blimey! Too much of a good thing!  

Enquire at your local council office to see what your options are.

Or, if the annexe is nicely detached from the main house - and better if you can run a fence or hedge between them - rent it out for an extra income.

If you are in an area that attracts visitors and tourists, then rent it out on a weekly basis for extra dough. Very lucrative at the moment.

lincroft1710

Find a property without an annex. It will be cheaper and you will not be depriving a family who need an annex. Converting or demolishing it will instantly reduce your property's value.