Has the property had planning permission or building work?
In standard purchases, the seller is usually required to disclose whether the property has had any structural changes or extensions, and whether those works were properly authorised. In auction sales, this information is often missing or incomplete, and the buyer must carry out their own investigations.
Why this matters
If the property has been extended, converted, or structurally altered, you need to know:
- Was planning permission obtained?
- Was Building Regulations approval granted and certified?
- Is there any risk of enforcement action or safety issues?
Works carried out without permission may lead to:
- Enforcement notices from the local authority.
- Issues with insurability or mortgageability.
- Difficulty selling the property in the future.
Auction risks
- The seller often does not supply full planning or building records.
- You may see mention of alterations, but with no evidence of approval or compliance.
- There may be no warranties, indemnities, or guarantees provided.
- You buy as seen, meaning the legal and practical risks transfer to you.
- If you buy and later discover unauthorised works, you may have no recourse against the seller.
What you can do
Before bidding:
- Check the legal pack for planning documents or Building Regulations certificates.
- Visit the local council’s planning portal to see if any applications have been made.
- Instruct a surveyor to identify signs of structural alterations or extensions.
- Be cautious about any “loft conversions,” rear extensions, or garage conversions that are not backed by clear documentation.
Summary
If the property has been altered, you need to confirm that all permissions and approvals were properly obtained. In auction purchases, this is rarely guaranteed — and if you buy without confirming it, the risk becomes yours.










