Licence to Alter in Newly Built Properties
Most people believe that newly built modern flats are always perfect and will require zero to little maintenance. It is not that only the home buyers think that but also a lot of property professionals possess this kind of belief. They think that after living there for years, the flat may require some maintenance.
This can be a mistake for two reasons -
Firstly, construction is a complicated process. Using high-quality materials and taking expert professionals’ help is not always ensure the perfect outcomes. A few snags can emerge early on. On the other hand, the design, materials, and craftsmanship cannot be of first-class always, and as a result, problems can come up sooner or later. In this kind of situation, maintenance is required or sometimes you need to rethink how a flat is laid out and used.
Secondly, homebuyers have different requirements and preferences. It has been also noticed that a flat with zero error may seem not to perfect for the new owner. Generally, most home buyers search for the best fit to satisfy their needs at the right price. So, it is now clear that even new flats need alteration and for that, a licence to alter should be ready. No matter the building is new or some years old, the alteration can take place if the new owner wants.
In order to satisfy this kind of requirement, property developers and managing agents are following new instructions so that they can be prepared to deal with this kind of requirement. In order to deal with this kind of situation, you should keep ready a building manual that includes what leaseholders can do or what cannot do, ensure landlords and managing agents know exactly how to respond to such applications. Generally, the policy document serves outside the actual lease and it also guides directors to take decisions.
Along with these, another fact we need to consider and that is formal permission for any alteration in the new builds may set a precedent. And it makes it difficult to refuse the consent for proposed alteration. Now it can be understood that the process should start with a strategic plan, idea of long-term consequences of different kinds of alteration and right responses. The ‘Licence of Alterations’ is the same important matter for both new and old buildings.
