For those thinking about becoming a landlord this year, you might be wondering how you can maximise your rental property’s potential and really make your investment worthwhile. Renovations are a great way to achieve this, so long as you adhere to the rules and regulations in place. If you’re wondering how you can lawfully add value to your investment property, read through our handy guide below to get a better understanding.
What is permitted development?
In the UK, landlords and homeowners can carry out specific property enhancements under certain permitted circumstances without requiring planning permission. In these cases, the works fall under the scope of ‘permitted development rights.’ This implies that the government’s overall planning permission takes precedence over the need to apply through a local authority planning department.
The benefit of permitted developments is that landlords are able to find and purchase properties with reasonable optimism that they can carry out specific value-enhancing works.
The types of permitted development
Many different projects fall under the term ‘Permitted Development’, and these can range from changing a home’s windows through to loft conversions and large extensions. However, it’s important to note that permitted development does not provide blanket approval for all extensions or amendments to a property. It simply negates the need for planning approval so long as the work meets a pre-established criteria.
Types of permitted development include:
- Internal amendments (I.e., knocking down internal walls)
- Installing solar panels
- Adding roof lights or dormer windows
- Single story rear extensions
- Double story rear extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions
- Basement conversions
Notable exclusions to permitted development rights include:
- Extensions to the front of a property
- Raising the height of the property roof
- The addition of balconies
- Verandas
While the list above covers the fundamentals, it should be noted that it is not exhaustive and will depend on the property and its location.
Are certain properties exempt from permitted development?
The scope of permitted development does not cover all properties, so you will need to understand where permitted development is not applicable before carrying out any work. Permitted development, for example, becomes redundant when the property is a listed building. This also applies to flats and maisonettes because of the obvious impact that amendments or extensions could have on any neighbouring properties.
Permitted development rights can also exclude properties within conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AOONB), national parks, and designated areas. Properties in these areas are likely to face additional restrictions and criteria that limit the extent of permitted development.
Meeting the criteria
Permitted development is granted so long as the work meets the guidelines set out by the government, which can be found on the Gov.uk
website.
Professional Guidance
Criteria for permitted development might seem straightforward, but it’s easy to second-guess yourself if it’s your first-time planning work on your property. Landlords in doubt should always seek professional advice from an experienced architect or consultant. A professional will be able to understand all the intricacies of permitted development rights and prevent you from making any costly mistakes. It’s also worth running your plans by the local authority planning department, just to be extra prudent and make sure everything is in order.
It’s also important to note that permitted development rights in the UK were expanded in 2020, and there can be variation between different nations of what may be deemed permitted development.
