IF you don’t want to be tied down paying hundreds of pounds for a mortgage every single month but are looking for somewhere to live, you’ve come to the right place.
While it is harder than ever before for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder, it seems that an increasing number of Brits are now looking for 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.
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So if you’re thinking about saying goodbye to the financial strain of living paycheque to paycheque under the weight of a heavy mortgage, we’ve found just the thing for you.
Purplebricks recently 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 discovered that from August 2023 to January 2024, there were a recorded 10,000 enquiries in homes with ‘granny flats’.
Sam Mitchell, the Purplebricks CEO, 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 alternative to buying a house.
There’s countless listings to choose from and shoppers are sure to be open-mouthed by this tiny home which is currently listed at £35,995.
The pictures of this mobile cabin uploaded to the advertisement show a fully fitted-out sunrise lodge.
The current price includes the building with all of the rooms, which consist of not one but two bedrooms, a bathroom as well as an en-suite, 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 has a bathroom complete with a full size bath, as well as an overhead shower.
As well as this, the caravan’s kitchen boasts an integrated fridge freezer, as well as a washer/dryer.
If that wasn’t enough, it’s also got gas central heating, double glazing and an extra insulation pack.
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 does this cabin have front opening patio doors, but it also comes with a 10 year roof warranty and a 12 months manufacturers’ warranty.
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.
According to the listing, this caravan, which has Black CanExel cladding and graphite grey windows, is “ideal for elderly relatives, children, staff and holiday rentals.”
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And you won’t have to worry about paying a fortune on top for delivery, as this modern log cabin is shipped for free to anywhere in England.
But if you’re thinking about making a purchase, you’ll need to get yourself clued up on the rules before buying one.
Take note before you buy…
According to Kingsley Smith Solicitors, 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.
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.
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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