Talk to me about the legalities of an extension

[shishnfips]

Hi, we're toying between selling or improving our 4bed detached house where we are currently mortgage free - I'm only saying that because it is a huge argument for not selling.

We would consider knocking our conservatory down and adding a 3m single storey extension along the whole back which we believe would cost the equivalent of stamp duty on a new (to us) house, circa £50k. I understand no planning permission is needed but do we need to seek neighbour approval? Are there any other legalities we'd need to fulfil? Online is a mind field.

There are 4 major things you need to bear in mind when embarking on a project such as this:

1. Planning
2. Building Regulations
3. Restrictive Covenants in your Deeds
4. Drainage/Sewers in your property

propertyexpertadvi.wixsite.com/website/post/upgrade-or-extension-to-your-house-the-legal-position

We are going through this at the moment @shishnfips. Although we are mid-terrace, not detached. From what I've learnt over the past few months, you will need a party wall agreement if you intend to excavate within 3-6 metres of your neighbours property (depending on how far you are digging) even if you are detached. Your neighbours are not able to stop your works going ahead but they can insist on a survey being carried out prior to the works, for which the cost falls to you.

You don't need planning permission as it will count as permitted development, but your plans do still need to be submitted to your local authority planning dept and they will issue a certificate of lawful development.

As a detached you could go out more than the 3m. Cert of lawfulness to my understanding is optional not a requirement if I remember correctly but if you think you will be selling in a few years it is better you have one. Agree with the pp.