Changing a studio into a one bed apartment – Do you need planning?
10:11 AM, 23rd January 2017, 9 years ago
3
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Hi, I am looking at buying a studio apartment with the view to changing it to a one bed apartment by moving the kitchen into the lounge area and changing the kitchen to the bedroom.
Trying to get a copy of the lease to see what it says re structural changes. I have found out who the freeholder is from the Land Registry and about to write to them.
Does anyone have any experience doing this and how easy/difficult it was and did you need planning permission?
Many thanks
Craig
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Member Since November 2014 - Comments: 10
12:06 PM, 23rd January 2017, About 9 years ago
The key to this is the wording of the lease – critical! Is the flat in a purpose built block or a conversion ? There may be all sorts of plumbing issues in moving the kitchen . Is there enough room to partition the lounge area with a stud wall to give a bedroom area – no structural changes but may still need landlord permission . Hope this helps Good luck .
Member Since August 2014 - Comments: 39
12:26 PM, 23rd January 2017, About 9 years ago
Don’t forget that you may need Building Control approval as well as landlord consent.
Member Since July 2015 - Comments: 2
2:06 PM, 23rd January 2017, About 9 years ago
The Freeholder may grant you consent (Deed of Alteration) but demand a fee based on a % of the expected uplift in the value of the apartment. This could be up to 50% of the anticipated gain. Evidence of a Building Control completion certificate would be expected.