Buy house convert part to a studio or similar ?

[BabaGanouch]

I've found myself in a position where I have a sum of money and can either invest it in a pension plan or , I think more profitably, buy a different house( no mortgage owned outright now) and become a resident landlord by converting part of the house to a self contained studio or similar ) only just had this lightbulb moment) , if it is financially viable.
i read it's not the size of the studio but the layout that counts.
I'm thinking about speaking to an Ifa or three to see what they say( as I was about to go for the pension idea) .
Can anyone give me any advice or tell me where to go for advice?
I've not got a huge house or a lot of money but I'm doing this for my future older age and financial security.Also because I have a therapeutic need to be fully independent after a long time of trying to get that...

Does anyone know about adding a self contained area to a house?

It would need planning permission, as you are effectively creating a separate dwelling.
Whether an application would be successful would depend on Local Council planning policies, but would take into account issues like the size of the studio, the impact on neighbours, adequate parking etc.
Building Regs approval would be required to ensure safe access, fire regs etc.
Both properties would be liable for Council Tax.

So, how would I find out their planning policies before I bought the house?

There was an announcement in the Autumn Statement last year that the government would consult on allowing one house to be split into two dwellings under permitted development rights (so you wouldn't need planning permission under certain conditions).

https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/autumn-statement-permitted-development-and-lha-changes-boost-for-landlords/