Renovating a empty
property
Renovate or sell?
Where a vacant property is in a poor state of repair,
particularly if it is so dilapidated it cannot be lived in a
decision needs to be made.
Is it best to:
Arrange to renovate the property yourself so that it can be lived
in or sold?
or Is it preferable to sell it on to someone who is in a position
to carry out the works?
Before making a decision the following points need to be
considered:
- Can you afford to pay for the works?
- Could you raise a loan or mortgage to pay for the works?
- Do you actually want to arrange the works?
- Would you recover the costs incurred if you plan to sell the
property?
Expert advice
If you are not experienced in this field a chartered surveyor would
be able to advise you on the likely cost of works and how these
would affect the value of the property.
When it comes to planning, arranging and supervising the work it
may be advisable to employ a chartered surveyor or architect if
you're not confident about doing this yourself.
Building Control
Most building works require building control approval. This is to
ensure that the building is safe, energy-efficient and not likely
to affect the health of the occupants. It is best to check
beforehand whether any works will need approval. Details can be
obtained from the Building Control page on the Council's website.
It can be an expensive mistake to carry out works without
permission.
Planning permission
Many minor works, alterations and extensions do not require
planning permission. However again it is advisable to check on the
Council's website to see if the works are likely to need approval.
Enforcement notices can require the demolition of unauthorised
works. You should not assume that because a nearby house has had
similar alterations carried out that you will get permission. The
rules sometimes change over time.
Reduced VAT for renovating empty residential
properties
There is a reduced VAT rate of 5% for renovation works to certain
residential premises which have been vacant for more than two
years. Further information regarding VAT and tax advantages
relating to the renovation of empty properties should be obtained
by contacting HMRC.
Grants
The Council does not provide grants to renovate vacant
properties.
Finding a builder
The Council does not recommend any particular builders or
tradesmen. However the websites below give help and assistance in
choosing one.
The following web sites are also of use when considering renovating
a property: