I'm currently going through the fun of selling my house but the buyers are demanding paperwork / planning permission for an attic conversion that was done many years, and several owners ago. We have no documentation. It never came up as an issue when we were buying it a couple of years ago. Can anyone advise??

I think stuff like this is normally kept with the Deeds to the property...your sols should be able to help!!

Thanks Shieshuk, but Solicitors don't have anything. The paper work simply doesn't exist! All the houses have attic conversions around here, so it isn't unusual.

Originally posted by katiebell
All the houses have attic conversions around here, so it isn't unusual.

So, does that mean that the house originally had an attic room, therfore it isn't a conversion?

Originally posted by Strix
So, does that mean that the house originally had an attic room, therfore it isn't a conversion?

But it would require building regulations approval. http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/index.asp?pgid=19109

Katiebell - try contacting the Building Regs people at the council who may be able to dig up a building regs certificate for you.

Cheers, Carrie

Too True Strix - building Regs/planning permission only refers to new alterations/recent works - anything existing doesn't need paperwork...so if no paperwork was required by your sols years ago when you bought the property can't see how any such documents can be requested now by your buyers sols!!

But I am no expert.......Good Luck!!

:confused:

Originally posted by carriewarr
But it would require building regulations approval. http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/index.asp?pgid=19109

Only if it is truly a conversion and not an original part of the house, which some in Sheffield are. Just because it has a new Velux or something else in place of the original arrangement doesn't mean it is a 'conversion'.

Just been looking at your post.
Couple of points, if you really need planning permission for the sale to go through you can apply for retrospective permission. it would be ideal if you could find out when the conversion was done as I think after a certain period you no longer need it.
You can get more advice from Building control they are in the building next to kingdom in town, they are very helpful and will point you in the right direction, if you want the number its in the book or you can pm me.

Good luck :thumbsup:

my boyfriend just bought a house which had no planning permission paperwork for a kitchen done years ago.

Apparently the buyer can take out an insurance policy (approx £20) which covers the extension or conversion itself and carries on with future owners. The cost is so low because apparently it is hardly ever claimed. He has done this and did not cause any problems with the sale of the house.

Unless there is a contention there is generally a deemed consent after 5 years from completion.

By the sound of it you are dealing with a buyer and solicitor that doesn't know their gluteus from their arm joint.