Working from a residential property

[mrbubbles]

Hi - can anyone tell me what the rules are for working in a residential property. Rather than rent an office I am thinking of buying say a flat and working from there (not living in it at all) is that allowed ??? what are the rules ??

[andy hughes]

the best place to get advice on this is your local Inland Revenue Office who will advise you on the tax you can claim for a bsuiness premises. there may be restrictions on using a dwelling purely for business, but they will advise you properly.

[zmudge]

Planning is a complex system that has numerous booby-traps for the unwary. For example, the character of a residential house must remain as a private home and you must not disturb your neighbours. If your answer to any of the following questions is "Yes", then Planning Permission will be needed and you must put your proposals (before purchasing the flat!!) to your local Planning Authority :

(1) Will the home/flat no longer be used mainly as a private residence?
(2) Will your business result in a rise in traffic or people calling?
(3) Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
(4) Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?

[smudge]

The above person is not me.

I am your ever faithful smudge - not zmudge.