How to check Building Regulations on a property

Building Regulations are an important part of owning and managing property. If you're thinking of selling your home or buying a new one, you need to know how to check for Building Regulations reports and request certificates when needed.

Why checking Building Regulations is important...

Transparency during transactions is essential. Building projects go through a bunch of paperwork before they are finalised, with planning, initial notices, and finally, a completion certificate.

These documents need to be ready for the buyer's solicitor so they can verify that the building work has gone through the right legal processes.

How to check Building Regulations

Every local council has a website where you can find out about how much Council Tax you owe and what local developments are happening. The website is usually the name of the local council, followed by '.gov'.

There will also be some kind of Building Control Register or a Building Regulations Application Database (councils may have different names for these portals). It's here that you can find out which properties are seeking Building Regulations approval.

Southwark Council's Building Control Register looks like this, while Lambeth Council's looks likes this. It may take some time to get the hang of the layout, but you should be able to find what you need.

Where can I get a copy of the Building Regulation Full Plans Approval Notice or certificate?

Copies of Building Regulation Plans Approval Notices and completion certificates can be obtained by written request through post or email to your local authority. If you know the approved inspector who carried out the work, you should contact them for a copy of the certificate.

How to check planning permission

Similarly, every council website has a section for planning permissions. Here you can browse historic planning applications, search and comment on existing applications, and object to them if you're a local resident.

Southwark Council's planning search function looks like this, while Lambeth Council's looks like this.

Why checking planning permissions is important...

If you're selling, then obtaining property planning permission for previous renovations or extensions can enhance your property’s value, marketability, and even speed up the sale.

If you're buying, you'll be advised by your solicitor to confirm that any changes made to the property have the right planning permission. This will help prevent any future complications.

As a buyer, where can I find all this information?

You _could _go to the seller's local authority's planning portal to find this information. But what if there was a place you could...

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Summary: Simple as 1...2...3

If you want to find further information about Buildings Regulations, planning compliance or other service history, you can obtain it through the correct local authority's website. It might be difficult to obtain certain documents, like a copy of the plans, without the written consent of the original author.

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