Have you been searching for some time for the right plot of land in the right location to build your dream home? Would you consider buying a property just to re-use the land, or knocking down your existing home? Due to the severe shortage of available land in the UK it is estimated that over 50% of self builders are looking to demolish and replace a dwelling, with the percentage likely to continue to increase.
So, how do you demolish and replace a dwelling? Where do you start?
In the first instance, you need to do some initial research as to whether the property you are considering is suitable for redevelopment.
The main issues that you need to think about are:
a) whether it is an option financially, and
b) whether you are likely to get planning permission for your plans.
You will need to take into account the cost of demolition (which may include issues such as removing asbestos), planning permission, and the cost of building your new property. Any redevelopment project will require planning permission from your local authority and it is advisable to seek a pre-application meeting with them to gauge whether your project is likely to be looked upon favourably (although the small print will tell you that the advice given is not legally binding!).
Generally, planners will not object to a replacement property up to 30% larger than the original dwelling footprint and they often prefer to see a design that will fit in with the local area. It is not usually a requirement to gain planning permission to demolish the original dwelling as this comes under “permitted development” but check this with the planners beforehand as buildings that are listed or in a conservation area may not have permitted development rights.
There are a lot of advantages to replacing an existing property. At the end of the process you will have a home designed to exactly how you want it, a new build will be zero rated for VAT, you will be more likely to get planning permission because a residential property has previously been established and your essential services (electricity, water, drainage etc) will already be in place, which can be a huge cost saving.
Our “Ten Minute Guide to Redevelopment” will be available on the site soon! In the meantime, check out some of our designs and see which might be a suitable replacement dwelling – our dormer bungalows often make good candidates.
