WHILE it may be harder than ever before for first time buyers to get on the property ladder – desperate youngsters will now need to pay attention.
It seems that an increasing number of Brits are now looking into creative alternatives to traditional homeownership – whether it’s living in a van, a shed, or now a granny annexe, also known as a granny flat.
eBay is selling a fully fitted-out granny annexe[/caption]
It comes complete with a glam kitchen and posh flooring[/caption]
It’s on sale for £48,000[/caption]
It even has a 20 year guarantee[/caption]
So if you’re thinking about moving away from the financial strain of living paycheque to paycheque under the weight of a heavy mortgage, we’ve found just the thing for you.
Purplebricks has revealed a surge in interest in granny annexes as a viable housing option.
The data highlighted that there was a six-month record rise in enquiries in homes with self-contained annexes with the rise coinciding with councils raising the rates of council tax for second homes by as much as 300%.
Not only this, but the online estate agents also found that from August 2023 to January 2024, there were a recorded 10,000 enquiries in homes with ‘granny flats’.
Purplebricks CEO Sam Mitchell explained: “The rise of interest in annexes is a clear sign Brits are looking much closer to home when it comes to investing in property.”
And now, eBay is catering to those interested in these alternative homes by selling luxury granny annexes – offering a much cheaper option than buying a house.
There’s countless listings to choose from and shoppers are sure to be open-mouthed by this tiny home which is listed at £48,000.
The pictures of this timber framed mobile home uploaded to the advertisement show a fully fitted-out annexe.
The current price includes the building with all of the rooms, which consist of a double bedroom, a shower/toilet room, a kitchen area, and a living space.
It has been described as “brand-new” and “unused” and according to the seller, this bespoke granny annexe is “perfect for those looking for a unique and self-contained living space”.
As a result, it is “ideal for those who want to stay separate from the rest of the house”.
The seller also claimed that “the specification and workmanship is of the highest standard and meets building control regulations.”
The self-contained home measures six by four metres, making it spot on for those after a manageable living space.
If that wasn’t enough, it’s also fully insulated and complete with posh-looking laminate flooring too.
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
Not only is this cabin designed with “zero maintenance” in mind, but it also comes with an impressive 20 year guarantee.
Unlike an ugly old shed at the back of many of our gardens, this tiny annexe is super stylish and is sure to impress your guests.
This modern, tiny home is ideal for those seeking a luxury annexe, but you’ll need to get yourself clued up on the rules before purchasing one.
Before you buy…
Kingsley Smith Solicitors explained that if a granny annexe is considered an extension of your home and used for purposes deemed ‘incidental’ to the main property, it could fall under permitted development rights.
In such cases, planning permission is often not required.
However, the structure must comply with regulations for outbuildings.
Failure to meet these criteria may result in the need to seek formal planning approval.
To find out more, go to Kingsley Smith Solicitors.
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Are tiny homes legal in the UK?
TINY houses can be in the UK regardless of whether they are on a trailer base or not. The legality of tiny houses is all to do with where it is and what you use it for.
According to Planning Geek, constructing a granny annexe in your garden usually means you’ll need planning permission, especially if it has a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
This is because it’s seen as a separate living space rather than just an extension of your main home.
However, if you’re thinking about converting an existing outbuilding, like a garage, into a granny annexe or a tiny home, you might not need planning permission.
That said, it’s important to make sure the space doesn’t end up being a fully self-contained unit – for instance, if the converted area doesn’t include cooking facilities, it might not be classified as a separate dwelling.
It’s also worth noting that, while certain small outbuildings can be constructed under permitted development rights, the NAPC points out that this usually applies to structures like sheds or garages, rather than self-contained annexes.
According to The Tiny Housing, a tiny home on wheels must not exceed 2.55 meters in width to be road-legal in the UK. Also, with a standard car licence, the length cannot be more than seven meters.
While tiny homes offer an alternative living solution, they must comply with local planning and building regulations.
Always check with your local council to ensure compliance with all regulations.
