UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi - we are about to buy our first buy to let property and I'm extremely grateful to the creator of this page for the information it contains and for the opportunity to use this forum.  Just found out that the owners of the property we are buying were remiss about getting building regulations approval when they had a wall knocked down.  Can we still rent the property out without this in place?  We could insist on retrospective building regulations approval or we could rely on surveyor's report to let us know if the building seems sound and go ahead with purchase.  The solicitor is asking them to pay for indemnity insurance but this doesn't really do a lot in the general scheme of things.  Thank you for anyone who can advise. 

The more appropriate question is should you be buying a property that doesn't already have building regulations approval for work done? I assume your solicitor have recommend you against doing so, if not I'll have to ask seriously why the hell haven't they? And if you're taking out a mortgage, I'll be very suprised if your lender will be happy with it as well.

There has to be better prospects out there. Never - ever - be afraid to walk away from a purchase. It is just business. You don't love it. It's not your forever home, nor indeed anyone's. It might be explained away through ignorance, but it could also be cutting-corners... if on this, what else?

Agree totally with both the above comments.Why on earth would you want to start out on a new venture with this potential millstone round your neck? Walk away.