Building homes is a big investment. It is normal to value the house, as you have spent your wealth on it over time. Discovering that your neighbour is extending their property can be stressful news. Not only does the construction work affect your daily activities for a considerable time, but it may also impact how you can access your property.
What if the extension process goes on for a longer time? It may lead to prolonged disruption and stress.In this blog, you will get to know how your neighbour’s extension affects the value of your property, along with the factors that determine devaluation.
Will My Neighbour’s Extension Devalue My House?
Whether a neighbour extension influences the value of your property or not, it all depends on the size (small or large) and the type of extension. For instance, if the neighbour is going to build a single-storey extension on the back side, it may leave a bigger impact on your house boundary. On the other hand, a double-storey side extension that extends to the property boundary will have less impact.
If construction is causing subsidence, it is essential to address it to prevent significant damage. Therefore, it is advisable to seek guidance from a party wall surveyor.
Impacts from Neighbour Extension
An extension in your neighbour’s property can have significant effects on you and your property, both during the construction phase and in the long term.
During Construction
The construction phase doesn’t just create noise, but also some other impacts are associated with it, such as:
Noise and Vibration: Heavy machinery used for digging and drilling produces sufficient noise and vibrations, which may cause a big impact on your mental health.
Traffic Issues: Builders’ vehicles, construction materials, and delivery trucks increase local traffic in the area, causing difficulty with parking. You may face an obstacle on the shared access road.
Utility Disruptions: The extension may impact the underground utility lines that include electricity, gas, or sewage. The digging process can cause service interruptions to close houses.
Debris and Dust: During construction, a large amount of dust elements disturb the air quality, causing a bad impact on your health.
Structural Risks: You may face problems like cracks, settlement, and uneven structure during excavation and foundation work if your neighbours are not following the safety measures.
Long-Term Impacts
You will likely experience long-term consequences if your neighbour extends their property, including:
Dominant Effect: A large, high extension next to your house can make an attached property feel subordinate to the new addition, adversely affecting the view.
Loss of Sunlight: One of the common impacts is that the new construction will block natural light coming from the garden and windows.
Loss of Privacy: Extensions to the upper portion, including a roof terrace, balconies, and windows, significantly affect your house’s privacy. Your home decor may go unnoticed, and your privacy may be compromised.
Visual Impact: The extension may affect your home’s aesthetics if the materials, size, or design do not match your property or the neighbourhood. It will reduce the demand in an area.
Voice Your Thoughts on Neighbours’ Extensions
You have the right to object to your neighbour’s extension if it is affecting your house. You can use the Neighbour Consultation Scheme to express any concerns. Within 21 days, the local authority will either approve or refuse planning permission for your neighbour’s extension. If you have questions about your problems, the scheme is here to help clarify everything. The scheme will address your worries if they are not valid.
Does Your Neighbour Need Planning Permission?
The small extensions do not require planning permission for completing the construction work. For Instance, if your neighbours are extending only a wall or fence in their garden, planning permission is not required from the local authorities. It is included in their permitted development rights. Furthermore, roadways and patios can be constructed without a permit. If the extension is not large, you cannot do anything.
However, your neighbour should take planning permission for large extensions. These extensions include a balcony, a detached house, or a semi-detached house. They can do it for up to 6 metres without permission. For detached homes, there is relaxation up to 8 metres. Any extensions exceeding these measurements require proper authorisation from the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
The neighbour’s extension does not directly undervalue your house if it is well-organised and permission is approved. Moreover, if the extension meets the requirements, such as not obstructing the sunlight coming from the windows, maintaining a pleasing aesthetic, and preserving your privacy, it is unlikely to impact your property’s value negatively.
A party wall surveyor can give valuable guidance while planning an extension. If the extension complies with applicable laws and regulations, it is unlikely to reduce your home’s value.
