Buying a flat where the bedroom has no window - what are the rules on this?

southernorth

Hi,
I'm currently viewing flats as a FTB.

A flat I've found so ticks all the boxes, apart from the 1 'bedroom' has no window (uses a sliding door).
The developer has said it counts as a bedroom and so they say it's a 1-bed flat, not a studio. It's a permissible development if that's useful. The room itself has a venting system in the ceiling, but it can't be controlled - it seems more like passive airflow. 

What are the rules on this, and potential implications for selling? 

Any advice appreciated. 

[Deleted User]

It'll limit your potential market, but the price presumably reflects that. 

Ultimately, it's a question of whether you like it and can get it at a price that suits you.

user1977

If it's newbuild then it's almost certainly permissible from a building regulations point of view. Many "bedrooms" aren't deemed to be separate rooms because they're not sufficiently separated from the adjoining space (e.g. mezzanines overlooking a double-height living space) - not sure whether this is the sort of thing we're talking about, but if it is you may want to be cautious that a valuer doesn't think it's actually a studio.

mrschaucer

What room is the "bedroom" separated off from by the sliding doors?  Living room?

Owleyes00

Do YOU like it? Whilst it doesn’t need to be light in your bedroom when you are sleeping I spend quite a lot of time in bed watching things on my iPad/reading. I wouldn’t want to that in a room with no windows. I also like pulling the curtains in the morning to welcome the day in.

If you’re just going to use it to sleep in then I guess it doesn’t matter

southernorth

mrschaucer said:

What room is the "bedroom" separated off from by the sliding doors?  Living room?

Yes, it's separated from the open plan kitchen/living room space by a single sliding door. 

southernorth

user1977 said:

If it's newbuild then it's almost certainly permissible from a building regulations point of view. Many "bedrooms" aren't deemed to be separate rooms because they're not sufficiently separated from the adjoining space (e.g. mezzanines overlooking a double-height living space) - not sure whether this is the sort of thing we're talking about, but if it is you may want to be cautious that a valuer doesn't think it's actually a studio.

It is a new build, yes. The developer has confirmed it counts as a bedroom, but I'm unsure of that. I have the floor plans and the space is listed as a bedroom by the developer. 

hazyjo

I'd call it more of a studio with bedroom area that can be separated when necessary.

I certainly wouldn't be paying the same price as I would for a 1 bed flat. Especially as it's new as they often come with a premium.

southernorth

hazyjo said:

I'd call it more of a studio with bedroom area that can be separated when necessary.

I certainly wouldn't be paying the same price as I would for a 1 bed flat. Especially as it's new as they often come with a premium.

That's basically my concern. Developer says one thing about rooms, mortgage lender says another. Then a lot of time, and perhaps expense, in establishing it all. 

Even worse would it being agreed upon as a 1-bed if I bought it, but could then only be called a studio once I sold (if building regs changed etc.) 

General consensus in here so far seems to be avoid it. Thanks for the input everyone 

GDB2222

It’s not so much what it is called, but what people think it is, and what they think it is worth when you come to sell.

Doozergirl

This rings bells of the Hampton Wick flat that was posted about on here a few weeks back. 

It was a conversion under permitted development rules that would never pass proper planning.  It's a loophole of sorts but it doesn't make it at all safe.  

Mortgage lenders weren't happy.  I think the person that posted was the third potential buyer.