8 substantial improvements projects that don’t need planning permission

If you have grand plans but a more modest budget, purchasing a property with improvement potential is a great idea. According to Rightmove, ‘doer-up’ properties are 12% cheaper than homes on the market that don’t need renovating. 

Over time, the homeowner can add, alter and improve when finances allow – creating a dream home and hopefully adding value in the process – but if the thought of applying for planning permission is putting you off, think again.

Permission already granted

You may be surprised to know some of the most substantial – and popular - home improvements do not need planning permission. This is thanks to something called Permitted Development Rights (PDR). This legislation exists in different forms across the UK, allowing homeowners to make major changes to where they live without the rigmarole of applying for permission from their local council’s planning department. 

Caveats to consider

There are some important caveats that need mentioning. Most home improvements that involve electrics, plumbing, heating, roofs, windows and doors will need building regulations approval. This is a standard procedure across the UK that ensures works are in line with health, safety, accessibility and energy efficiency requirements. 

Most permitted developments also have parameters that the homeowner must respect. These usually pertain to size, height, scale, mass, materials used and the percentage of the garden that must be left untouched.

Additionally, some property owners will find their home improvements fall outside of PDR due the type of dwelling or where it is located. Owners of listed properties must contact their local planning department before they start any work. Likewise, those in Conservation Areas, a National Landscape or a National Park will need to enquire about any planning permissions needed or restrictions imposed.

Start one of these 8 projects without planning permission

Although we stress that the best peace of mind is found when you contact the local council’s planning department with details of your home improvements, these 8 projects generally do not require planning permission.

1. Kitchen extension: large kitchens have become the heart of the family home but big gatherings aren't feasible in galley kitchens or tight spaces. A single storey extension is possible without planning permission, so you can go bigger to go open plan, or extend to add a kitchen island, a dining area or even a utility room.

2. Extra bedroom with en-suite: double storey extensions are also possible under PDR. This offers so much scope, allowing homeowners to increase the footprint of their ground floor and add an extra bedroom with a bathroom on the first floor. 

3. Loft conversion: turning dead roof space into a usable room or two is ultra appealing, as it leaves gardens untouched and doesn’t need planning permission. A loft conversion can result in extra bedrooms, a home office or even a cinema/games room.

4. Garage conversion: despite their original intention, many garages end up as storage spaces, utility rooms or home gyms but it’s easy to take their usage a step further with a full blown conversion. Creating an extra reception room or playroom usually doesn’t require planning permission.  

5. Remodelling: purchasers shouldn’t rule out homes that don’t have the perfect layout as many remodelling projects can skip planning permission. PDR usually allows for open plan spaces to be created with the removal of internal walls, and new partitions to be installed to make different size rooms.

6. Adding a garden room or summer house: our love affair with garden living shows no sign of diminishing and there’s good news. Most outside structures shouldn’t require planning permission, so it’s easier than you think to create a garden office or teenager’s den.

7. Adding a conservatory: if another reception room is what you crave, adding a conservatory is one of the most budget-friendly options. It’s also a simple route too, as a conservatory almost always falls within PDR.

8. Improving energy efficiency: in many cases, you don't need planning permission to install an air source heat pump, solar panels, double/triple glazing or thermally-efficient insulation in the UK.

Get in touch if you are searching for a home to buy with improvement potential. We can also give you a current valuation for a property you need to sell.