First time buyer - loft conversions not built to regulations

BarleyN19

Me and my partner are first time buyers. We have looked round a house that we feel would be perfect for us and are keen to place an offer. However, when looking around, the house has a converted loft that is being used as a bedroom. The vendor explained they cannot advertise it as a bedroom as it was not done to regulations and they didn't get planning permission so it's advertised as "loft hobbies." It's a recent conversion too. Is this something to be concerned about long term? Worried if its not be done to regs that there could be safety problems? There's also a ensuite bathroom. 
Do I need to be concerned? Or is this quiet common? 

ProDave

You need to find out how recent.  If it is within the time period that it could be enforced by planning or building control, then I would walk away.

If it is longer and it has not fallen down, you have to make your own decision to accept it as is, or walk away.  It will never be valued as a proper loft conversion, and will likely give problems when you come to sell it some time in the future.

user1977

BarleyN19 said:

There's also a ensuite bathroom.

In the loft?

MultiFuelBurner

Just make sure the price does not reflect this as being all up to code and done properly.

BarleyN19

ProDave said:

You need to find out how recent.  If it is within the time period that it could be enforced by planning or building control, then I would walk away.

If it is longer and it has not fallen down, you have to make your own decision to accept it as is, or walk away.  It will never be valued as a proper loft conversion, and will likely give problems when you come to sell it some time in the future.

According to the estate agents. 
The vendors haven’t applied for building regulations or planning permission. They have had a builder carry out the work though.

The agents have said: "during the conveyancing process, the vendor’s solicitor would provide an indemnity insurance policy for the conversion, which covers you from any comeback from the council."

BarleyN19

user1977 said:

BarleyN19 said:

There's also a ensuite bathroom.

In the loft?

Yeah they have a built an ensuite shower and toilet in the loft 

user1977

And how long ago was the work done?

sheramber

Do you intend to use it as a bedroom?

jimbog

BarleyN19 said:

ProDave said:

You need to find out how recent.  If it is within the time period that it could be enforced by planning or building control, then I would walk away.

If it is longer and it has not fallen down, you have to make your own decision to accept it as is, or walk away.  It will never be valued as a proper loft conversion, and will likely give problems when you come to sell it some time in the future.

According to the estate agents. 
The vendors haven’t applied for building regulations or planning permission. They have had a builder carry out the work though.

The agents have said: "during the conveyancing process, the vendor’s solicitor would provide an indemnity insurance policy for the conversion, which covers you from any comeback from the council."

But it doesn't mean that it is safe (structurally or fire wise)

Brie

Not sure that "builder" means anything legally.  And if the builder was willing to do the work without planning permission in place I'd wonder how many other corners s/he has cut.  Walk away.

loubel

It's a question to ask of your surveyor. The indemnity policy offered covers the (likely extremely small) risk of the council taking enforcement action against you for the lack of consents. Of concern to you is whether room is safe and sound. Did the seller tell you why it doesn't meet building regulations?