Planning ahead: selling properties with permission granted

Getting planning permission for work on a property you are looking to sell may sound counterintuitive but it could have its advantages. We look at whether obtaining planning permission can make a property more alluring to would-be buyers and add value to your home in our Q&A blog.

Q: Is my property suitable for an extension, conversion or remodelling?

A: If you want some advice as to the potential in your property – and if any works may require planning permission – the best thing to do is to ask a reputable local estate agent for advice. They will be able to advise you if properties like yours in the area have already been remodelled, extended or converted, and talk to you about what could be feasible.

Q: How will I know if any works need planning permission?

A: The best way to find out if a planning application is needed is to have a conversation with your local council’s planning department. There’s also lots of information on the Government’s planningportal.co.uk – it’s worth a quick check before you get carried away.

Q: Will planning permission add value to my property?

A: Having planning permission in place usually increases a property’s market value, as it shows buyers the true, permitted potential that the property offers. Having planning permission granted also saves purchasers the hassle of applying themselves – and that alone can be a deal clincher. Precisely how much value planning permission adds depends on a number of factors, like the type of property, its location, the work covered by the permission, the type of permission and when it was granted. 

If you achieve planning permission before going on the market, remember to ensure that your property listing includes information about the planning permission – this will not only substantiate your home’s valuation but it can also spark interest from a wider range of potential buyers. 

Q: How much does it cost to get planning permission?

A: In most cases, there will be a planning application fee to pay when you make a submission. The cost varies across the UK and depends on exactly what you’re applying to do but as a very rough guide, a basic householder application is just over £200. It’s best to contact your local planning authority before you submit your application to make sure you apply correctly and pay the appropriate fee – any errors can delay your application. Although getting planning permission incurs some costs, it’s far cheaper than carrying out the works yourself and you should recoup the submission cost through a higher sales price.

Q: Does planning permission lapse?

A: In most cases, planning permission is valid for three years from the time the local planning authority grants it. This means you have three years in which to start the work, rather than actually complete it. Despite this, it’s worth checking the dates on any planning permission that you’ve had granted in the past and allow plenty of time for a sale to reach completion before the permission expires.

Q: Should I get some plans drawn up to show what’s possible?

A: If you can afford to employ an architect to draw up plans, it’s a great way to help potential buyers envisage what is permitted. This can be especially useful for those who lack forward vision or a strong ‘mind’s eye’. An illustration, computer generated images or even a revised floorplan will all help persuade buyers and can be included in property listings.

If you’re looking to sell and want to unlock the potential in your home, get in touch. We can show you what homeowners of similar properties have done, and give you a valuation for your home both with and without planning permission in place.