You are currently browsing the HPB Blog weblog archives for September, 2008.
As from 1st October customers will be entitled to a 7 day cooling off period for contracts signed at their homes whether the appointment was pre-arranged or not. It is hoped that the new regulations will put an end to businesses that use underhand tactics. Up until this date the cooling off period only applied to unsolicited callers
Caroline Flint, the Housing Minister, has re-written the regulations covering “permitted development” with regard to houses (not flats).
Accordingly from 1st October 2008 you do not need Planning Permission for
· a single or two storey extensions at the side or back of the house up to 3 metres deep (or 4 metres for single storey extensions on detached properties) suitable for an extra reception room, bedroom or study.
· a single storey garage if it is not in front of the house’s front elevation and doesn’t cover more than half of the original garden
· a 40 cubic metre loft extension to the roof space of a terraced house or 50 metres in the case of semi and detached houses – enough for an extra bedroom or bathroom
In pursuance of the “Green Agenda” in most cases you will not need planning permission to fix solar panels to the roof but for the moment you will still require planning permission to erect a wind turbine.
However also you will now need planning permission to lay a new driveway more than 5 square metres unless it is made of gravel, porous asphalt or other material that allows water to drain through
Our advice is that you contact the Council before you start any work and that you remember that all structural work will still need to be supervised by the Council’s Building Control Department.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced today that stamp duty will not apply to residential house purchases under £175000.00. This relief will apply from 3rd September 2008 until September 3rd 2009 and is intended to kick start the property market.
With properties available in the local area for less than £175000.00 hopefully we will see the property market begin to move.
Additionally the Government intend to offer interest free loans to first time buyers but we are waiting for full details at the time of posting this blog.
If you require any help or assistance with any aspect of buying a property please contact us.
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