Titles, Access and Planning

The legal quirks of small parcels and change of use

Two garages that look identical can be worth very different amounts, and the difference is written into the title, the rights of access and the planning history rather than visible in a photograph. This book explains those legal quirks of small parcels. It sets out the three questions every small asset raises: what you actually own, how you may use it through rights and burdens, and what you may do with it under planning. The planning chapter explains material change of use, permitted development, the certificate that proves a use is lawful and why you cannot rely on the enforcement clock. You will see the particular dangers of buying at auction and the key question when letting. The book covers your duties to people on the land, asbestos, fire, electricity and what tenants store, and the right insurance. The tax chapter explains the different and often more favourable treatment of small assets, including stamp duty, business rates relief, VAT and structure. Next in this series: “A Portfolio of Small Assets”.

What’s inside

• The legal framework in plain English
• Permissions, licensing and planning
• The contracts, and what must be inside them
• Insurance, safety and your legal duties
• Tax treatment and choosing a structure
• Your compliance checklist
• Getting this wrong: what it actually costs

Educational material only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Results are not typical and are not a guarantee of income. Freedom Property Academy LTD, registered in England and Wales.