Extensions and Loft Conversions
Converting houses into flats is becoming increasingly popular. There’s a high demand for affordable properties in the UK, and splitting a property into units can maximise both rental income in the short-term, and profit on sale in the long-term.
But be warned as in most cases, when a proposal becomes popular Councils begin to resist approvals to prevent too many conversions in the area. To give your application the best chance of approval you need to make sure your proposal meets the required policies as set out by the Council. This is where LPS can help, our in-house team of specialist designers and planners have been successful in gaining permissions of this type all over London and the South-East.
But where do you start? Here’s what you need to know about converting a house into flats…
There are two common types of conversions:
Conversion of a residential dwelling into flats.
We know what the planners are looking for when it comes to flat conversions. For example, the floor space of your existing property should meet the minimum space standards as set out in the Governments policies. You will require a minimum 74sqm for converting a house into 2 flats and 111sqm for converting a house into 3 flats. If your property will require extending to provide the space and you are planning on utilising permitted development right they you will need to complete this first as once a property is converted into flats permitted development rights are removed.
Conversion of a Commercial Property into Residential Flats
The extension of permitted development rights has led to accelerated growth of office-to-residential conversions.
One of the benefits of the extension of permitted development rights is that for many projects planning permission isn’t needed. However, some local authorities and the mayor of London have looked to clamp down on the use of permitted development rights to protect office space.
The process isn't very straight forward, the first step is change of use, followed with a planning application for the conversion into flats.
One of the benefits of the extension of permitted development rights is that for many projects planning permission isn’t needed. However, some local authorities and the mayor of London have looked to clamp down on the use of permitted development rights to protect office space.
The process isn't very straight forward, the first step is change of use, followed with a planning application for the conversion into flats.
