PROPERTY hunters have been left shocked by the “smallest house in Britain” inside a tiny garage that’s hit the market for an astonishing price.
The listing in Clapton, London has attracted much attention on social media from people dumbfounded by the “expensive” home.
The property lies sandwiched between two far taller buildings[/caption]
The reception room and kitchen inside the home[/caption]
A floor plan shows just how small the house is[/caption]
The one-bed, one-storey house is sandwiched between two tall properties and some have commented that it resembles a “converted garage.”
The tiny home is currently listed for sale on Rightmove for an extraordinary sum.
Found at the end of a long driveway, inside the floor plan shows it has just a small shower room, a kitchen living area, one bedroom and a garden to the side.
The listing for the property reads: “A beautifully renovated one bedroom property in Clapton.
“The open plan living space and kitchen offers a modern contemporary finish throughout with all details considered when carrying out the refurbishment of the property.
“The spacious open plan kitchen and living area boasts an atmosphere of sociability and relaxation.
“The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering the perfect space for cooking, dining, and unwinding.”
The listing continues: “This area also provides a stunning view of a private outdoor space.
“The property also benefits from a brand new bathroom suite.
“The kitchen itself features fully integrated appliances that seamlessly blend into the modern design.
“New cabinets and worktops not only provide ample storage and preparation space but also contribute to the contemporary aesthetics of the space.
“The large double bedroom is flooded with an abundance of natural light and also provides direct access to the private garden.
“The outdoor space that’s both enchanting and easy to maintain offers privacy features that allows enjoyment of the outdoors and to take advantage of having private outdoor space.
“The property also benefits from private off street parking.”
A Reddit thread on the topic quickly emerged with many users shocked at the property’s £525,000 price tag.
One user said: “Half a million pounds for a converted garage.”
Another added: “I know it’s London but come on.”
Other people were quick to comment on how “insane” the listing was.
The property is currently listed for £525,000[/caption]
The bedroom space is attached directly to the kitchen and lounge[/caption]
The property includes a garden at the rear[/caption]
One commenter said: “Wait, tell me you are kidding. Surely its not that little white ‘house’ shoved in between the two tall buildings. I’m going to have to look at this again, hang on.
“Back again. Yes, yes it is. Oh my word, how insane.”
Many agreed, adding that they thought it was part of the larger block of flats or that it was just a “converted garage” rather than a home.
The garden space at the rear of the property is in-fact larger than the entire combined floor area of the home.
This led many to conclude the property was just a “little shed” attached to the house.
Some others remained somewhat optimistic, however, about the prospects of the home.
One user commented: “You could do something really interesting with that space and building but it would probably cost another 250k.”
How to turn a garage into a home
IF you’ve thought about turning your garage into a home, here’s how.
Virgin Money estimates that converting your garage into an en-suite bedroom could add 20% to the value of your home.
Given that the average garage conversion costs around £6,000 it is a cost-effective way of increasing your living space.
Unlike an extension, you don’t need to pay for laying new foundations or building new walls. And, your garage may also already have power, meaning conversions can be quite cheap.
While the average price may be around £6,000, according to the Homeowners Alliance, this cost could increase though if there are structural changes, plumbing needed or utilities to be added.
The other factors that can affect the cost of your garage conversion include:
- Whether the foundations need to be reinforced.
- If the walls, floors or roof need to be repaired. It may be cheaper to demolish your garage and start again if it is in a particularly bad state of repair.
- If the ceiling height needs to be raised – you need around 2.2-2.4m of headroom once the floor is 15cm above the external ground level.
- If you use an architect or designer.
- Planning applications.
- Whether you need to use a structural engineer.
Do I need planning permission to convert my garage?
Most garage conversions can be completed under permitted development rights, particularly if you aren’t planning to alter the structure of the building. But you should check that there are no planning conditions attached to the garage – for example that it has to remain as parking. You can do this by checking the deeds of the property.
If you are converting a detached garage, then you may have to apply for a change of use.
The Homeowners Alliance recommends that you check with your local planning authority to make sure your garage conversion falls within permitted development.
If your home is listed or you live in a conservation area, then it is highly likely that you will need planning permission before you can convert your garage. In this scenario, it may be best to have an informal meeting with your local planning officer before you submit your application.
Building regulations for garage conversions
A garage conversion classes as a ‘change of use’ so it will require building regulations approval.
- To comply with building regulations your garage conversion must:
- Be structurally sound
- Have a damp-proof course
- Include wall, floor and loft insulation so it is energy efficient
- Have had all electrics safety tested
- Be moisture proofed, with good ventilation
- Have been fire-proofed and have escape routes
- Because your project will need building regulations approval, you need to notify your local council before you begin work by submitting a building notice or full plans application – depending on whether you need planning permission or not.
Once the garage conversion is finished a building inspector will come to check windows, doors, fireproofing measures and foundations before issuing a certificate of completion.
Key works when converting a garage
The main works involved when converting a garage include:
- Making sure the walls and roof are sound.
- Floor slab – the existing floor may need to be levelled, damp-proofed and insulated.
- Infilling the door – Most garage conversions simply brick up the garage door.
- Wall insulation.
- Roof insulation.
- Windows & doors.
- Heating and electrics.
DIY garage conversion
It is possible to plan and convert your garage yourself. This could be a good option if you only have a small budget and are a pretty skilled DIY-er. Just be aware that your work will be checked by a buildings control officer and if it doesn’t comply with building regulations you will have to put it right at your own expense.
Converting a detached garage
If your garage is detached it could be a bigger job than converting an integrated garage. For a start, you will have to apply for change of use with your local planning authority.
You will also need to factor in extra costs such as enhancing the foundations, which may not be strong enough for what you are planning. You may also have to consider costs such as bringing power and plumbing out to the building.
For further advice on whether you can modify your detached garage, you may wish to get the help of an architect.
