Converting two flats into a single house

[DTLP]

Hello

Am wondering whether anyone has experience of converting a property split into flats back into a family home in the ED area? Specifically, did you need to submit a planning application or were you able to carry the work out without planning or just by getting a certificate of lawfulness?

Have had a couple of conversations with the Southwark Planning Department and have received slightly contrary advice so far! Before I have a third go, I wondered if the forum might have the answer!

I would also be interested in hearing from any local professionals (architects etc) who might have undertaken work like this for ED clients.

Thanks for your help!

[stacey-lyn]

In our previous home, we obtained a Lawful Development Certificate from Southwark Planning Department. We did not alter the exterior, it was not a listed building, not in a conservation area etc so it was a fairly simple process. Good luck with it.

[DTLP]

Cheers. That's really helpful. We are in a conservation area which might make a difference (and I think is the reason that we've had slightly confused advice from the planners) but we also won't be making any changes to the exterior so hopefully we will be able to go down the same route as you. Thanks again for the quick reply and advice!

[uncleglen]

Nice to hear someone is doing it that way round! After it is done you need to get the Council Tax changed as well- they make it sound like you are trying to defraud them when you apply.

[Lowlander]

And get an exemption from council tax if you won't be living there for more than a month due to the works.

Most decent builders will be able to take care of the planning side for you. It can be quite complex and onerous (brickwork pointing and windows are covered).

I have friends have done similar work and if you just wanting to knock down some false walls put up in the 70s/80s you should be ok. If you need to remove period features you'll be expected to restore them to "as was". This is why getting someone with experience helps as the councils often get confused themselves. Unless you have a lot of time to do the plans yourself.

Kudos for doing the reverse of what many others are doing!

[bob]

Good on you.

Bob S

[LSPE]

This is great, I am glad I am not the only one to want to do the same (in Crystal Palace), speak to the bank/solicitor as you will need to sort out the deeds etc etc

[Jeremy]

I can imagine it could be a headache sorting out the mortgage... I guess you'd really need to own one of the flats outright before doing something like this?

[Gidget]

Do you already own the house?

[Senor Chevalier]

Note as you are altering the number of units you should qualify for a reduced VAT rate on the conversion works. 5% rather than 20% last time I looked so this is a big saving. Make sure you do go get planning or certificate of lawfulness or whatever as otherwise you may struggle to claim this VAT relief (as well as the reduced council tax as mentioned above).

Whilst Southwark have a general drive to increase the number of residential units (Shortage of homes) they are generally supportive (in my experience) in the case of restoring a house to a single dwelling - particularly if it has been cut up badly or is in a residential area. Whilst there is a shortage of dwellings generally, the acute shortage is family homes / houses (as I understand it).