Buying a house requiring retention PP

[Dave Vanian]

I've seen a house that's for sale "as is". It's a fairly substantial property with outbuildings. Some of the outbuildings were built without planning permission but all are over five years old. The house also needs a new septic tank. From what I can establish from local enquiries the previous owners died four or five years ago.

Reason I'm interested is that it's very keenly-priced, even if I allow for a sizeable renovation / upgrading budget. (Now of course I'm well aware of the adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but I'm thinking that the level of work required might put some off and the executors may want to shift the place quickly.)

Anyway, I have two queries: -

(1) I understand that retention PP is easier to get the longer that the buildings have been standing. But I presume it can still be refused by the local council. What's the sensible way of approaching this? Is it like buying a site - you buy subject to retention PP?

(2) Anyone any idea of a VERY rough ball-park cost for a septic tank? (Being suburban-born, these things are new to me.) If it's relevant, the main house would be around 3,000 sq.ft.

Thanks in advance.

 

[browtal]

The best approach is to speak to the Planning department in the area that the house is located. They will be able to give you a good idea if pp would be granted.

As far as I know 'as is' means purchase with no promise or guarantee of planning. A bit similar to purchasing at an auction.

I wonder why it has not planning permission also 3,000 is quite a large house, to build without planning - was it built in stages?
Sometimes a house is built on the foundations of a pre-existing house and I think may be exempt from planning?
Buyer Beware Good Luck Browtal

 

[mercman]

I'm most surprised that the vendors have not got the retention dealt with, s in these times they will have the same continual problem. A similar thing happened to me nine years ago when I purchased a house but the vendors did not tell me about the retention problem. It took them many months to sort out, but I withdrew from the purchase.

OP If it is priced correctly give it a lash, but IMO any costs you come across should be for the vendor's account.

 

[Dave Vanian]

Thank you both for the replies.

I wonder why it has not planning permission also 3,000 is quite a large house, to build without planning - was it built in stages?

My understanding is that the main house had planning permission and it was only an extension and an outbuilding that didn't.

 

[DingDing]

Some extensions did not require planning if there were under a certain size.

Something the size of a sunroom could be built without planning.

Perhaps the extension would come under this scheme.