Recent research conducted by eXp UK has found that more than one in 10 homeowners undertaking significant renovation projects either failed to obtain the necessary planning permission or were unaware that it was required.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 5,600 homeowners, revealed that 25% of respondents had carried out major renovation work, such as adding an extension to their property.

However, a notable portion of these homeowners may face enforcement action due to non-compliance with planning regulations. The research showed that 12% of those who undertook such projects admitted to not securing planning permission—6% knowingly proceeded without it, while another 6% were unaware of the requirement.

Among those who knowingly bypassed the rules, 21% stated they did so because they believed they would not be caught.

In the UK, any project classified as "development" requires planning permission. This includes not only new builds and extensions but also changes such as converting a house into flats or dividing a property into separate dwellings.

The necessity for planning permission is influenced by several factors, including the size and height of the proposed structure, its intended use, design, and even window placement.

Adam Day, head of eXp UK, commented: “Homeownership doesn’t come cheap and we’ve seen house prices continue to climb in recent years.

“So it’s understandable that a good proportion of homeowners have undertaken major renovation projects on their existing homes, such as extensions or conversions, in order to maximise space.

“What’s quite astounding is that a notable number of those undertaking a major renovation are doing so without ensuring the proper planning permission is in place.

“In doing so, they leave themselves open to enforcement and prosecution from the local planning authority if they aren’t able to secure a retrospective planning application.

“This can be a very costly mistake indeed, as having invested a considerable amount of money, they will find themselves back to square one and out of pocket.”

Homeowners considering significant renovations are strongly advised to review planning regulations and obtain the necessary permissions before commencing work. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action, financial loss, and potential project delays.