What can an Annex be used for?

[Ellie2015]

Hi we were only looking for a 4 bed house and actually one has come up which was originally 4 bed but the seller has also built a self contained annex in the rear side. That had chopped off garden which we always wanted a large one. The house otherwise ticks other criteria such a location and condition. Pricey as the agent is selling it as a 6 bed as apposed to 4 bed.

We are wondering if anyone can give us any idea on what a 2 bed fully self contained annex be used for in future for a small family? I don’t want to be renting as that would perhaps evade our privacy to some extent. What else can it be used for? Any bright ideas?? Thanks in advance

I'd turn it into a home gym if big enough

I would check the planning permission for it.

It is quite likely that there will be conditions restricting its use to purposes ancillary to the main house ie you cannot rent it out, use it as a holiday let etc without having specific planning permission to do that. If you than get PP (unlikely) it will be liable for council tax etc.

Accommodation for an au pair or nanny.

My sil had an annexe on the side of her house. It had a kitchen and it’s own bathroom and living area. We stayed there as guests and so have other family members.
If we had one, my elderly mother could visit and stay if she’s unwell or wants a change of scenery.

If you wanted to work from home, whether as a beauty therapist or as an accountant for example, it would give you the ability to keep work and home separated. We're about to sell DMIL's home, and one of the selling points is that it has a sturdy brick built 1950s garage which is too small for modern cars but very convertible to office space with some extra insulation. The buyer will have to see the possibilities to realise their goals.

@TheDogsMother yes we got it retrospectively but it needs to be within a certain amount of months or a year or so. So you need to check.

Someone also asked about the helpline number. I cannot remember but it was one from the gov.uk website not one of the letters we got.

@Pinotpleasure pretty sure it's the one at this link. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/stamp-duty-land-tax

The other thing to consider is if you're getting a mortgage a lot of mortgage companies can be very funny about annexes. I think you need a clear idea whether you're going to make money off it or not before even applying.