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    Home/News/Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

    Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

    about 1 month ago
    Lifestyle
    Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

    Earlier this year, it became apparent that home buyers aren’t that fussed about finding the ‘perfect’ property. A Rightmove survey of 34,000 home movers found 73% of those leaving rented accommodation viewed fixer uppers as a more affordable route to property ownership. Additionally, 73% of existing homeowners wanted to buy a property that needed work in order to create their dream home.

    Property discounts pending

    The portal also revealed homes for sale that needed a degree of improvement generally had an asking price 12% less than the average property. That equates to a discount in the region of £44,600 – something not to be passed up. Those keen to extend, remodel or upgrade can also use a fairly new ‘fixer upper’ filter over at Zoopla – simply tick the box to only see properties with potential.

    The good news is, potential doesn’t mean planning permission will be required. 

    There are a host of home improvements that can be made without planning permission, thanks to Permitted Development Rights (PDR). These are in force across the UK but can vary from area to area. Therefore, it is always worth checking the specifics of what is allowed with your local council’s planning department and an experienced architect. 

    The types of home improvement projects that generally fall within PDR and do not require planning permission include:

    • Single storey extensions within certain size and height parameters, and using certain materials

    • Double storey extensions within certain size and height parameters

    • Loft conversions within certain size and height parameters, and adhering to window/glazing guidelines

    • Garage conversions using certain materials

    • Removal of internal walls

    • Replacing windows, doors and rooflights

    • Adding a conservatory or sun room within certain size parameters

    • Adding a garden room, summer house or shed, within set guidelines and usage stipulations

    • Adding a porch within certain size and height parameters

    • Renovating a bathroom

    • Adding solar panels or an air source heat pump

    When you might need planning permission

    Even if you are undertaking one of the improvements detailed above, there are some instances where planning permission will still be required. This can occur if you live in a listed building, if your home is in a Conservation Area, a National Park or a National Landscape, or if you are altering the shape of your roof.

    Don’t overlook building regulations approval

    While planning permission may not be required, many home improvement projects still need a degree of input from the local council, especially if the work encompasses plumbing, electrics, windows, doors and roofs. This will be in the form of building regulations approval.

    In England and Wales, building regulations approval (sometimes known as building control approval) ensures the home improvement work meets specific standards for safety, health, energy efficiency and accessibility. A building control inspector will likely visit the property to ensure compliance with building regulations.

    There are two ways to comply with building regulations approval. Homeowners can choose to use tradespeople who belong to a competent person scheme (with the trade notifying the local authority about work on your behalf) or apply for building regulations approval themselves before they undertake improvements. A similar scheme operates in Scotland, known as Scottish Building Standards.

    Consider a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)

    A LDC is a legal document confirming that a home improvement project was legally permitted without the need for planning permission. It is a useful document to have when it comes to selling a property in the future. 

    If you would like to buy a property for its improvement potential, please get in touch. Our local knowledge can identify homes that are ripe for renovations that don’t need planning permission. 

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    5 Home Office Features That Attract Tenants in Cardiff & South Wales

    5 Home Office Features That Attract Tenants in Cardiff & South Wales

    Published 5 days ago

    As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.

    At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.


    1. 🌞 Natural Light: A Must-Have for Productivity

    Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.

    ✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
    If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.


    2. 🪑 A Comfortable Desk Setup with Adequate Space

    Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.

    ✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
    If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.


    3. 🌿 Plants: The Green Boost Tenants Love

    Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.

    ✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
    When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.


    4. 📦 Smart Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Office

    Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.

    ✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
    Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.


    5. 🎨 Neutral Wall Colours That Encourage Focus

    Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.

    ✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
    Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.


    🎯 Why Cardiff Landlords Should Care About Home Offices

    With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.

    By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:

    • Increase rental appeal

    • Reduce void periods

    • Attract high-quality, long-term tenants

    • Enhance rental value


    📞 Need Help Staging Your Cardiff Rental Property?

    At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.

    👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
    📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
    📧 Email
    hello@redkeylets.co.uk

    Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.


    #CardiffLandlordTips #HomeOfficeCardiff #CardiffRentalMarket #RemoteWorkReady #CardiffLettings #SouthWalesProperty #LandlordAdvice #RedKeyPropertyExperts

    As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.

    Read More
    Bookscaping: the paper-based way to boost your home’s appeal

    Bookscaping: the paper-based way to boost your home’s appeal

    Published 16 days ago

    Over the years there have been a number of ‘light touches’ touted as a way to impress potential property buyers. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee? Great for making your property feel homely and masking less attractive whiffs. A neatly-folded pile of clean, fluffy towels in the bathroom? An easy way to give off five-star hotel vibes. Fresh flowers and a fully-stocked fruit bowl? They draw attention away from less desirable areas and add colour to a drab space.

    Read More
    6 Living Room Styling Tips for Landlords in Newport & Cardiff to Maximise Rental Appeal

    6 Living Room Styling Tips for Landlords in Newport & Cardiff to Maximise Rental Appeal

    Published 20 days ago

    For landlords in Newport and Cardiff, the living room is arguably the most crucial space when it comes to attracting quality tenants and maximising your rental income.

    It’s likely to be the room where you spend most of your time, the room where you spend time entertaining guests, and it’s probably the first room that people see when they walk into your home.

    Read More

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