HOME owners in Wyre Forest who have abandoned plans to sell their homes due to concerns about falling house prices are being urged to think wisely before embarking on extension or refurbishment plans. 

Peter Simner, a conveyancing lawyer, has issued a warning as a growing number of home owners signal plans to extend or improve their homes, rather than move, as the housing market has cooled since the EU Referendum.

Mr Simner, a partner at mfg Solicitors, which is headquartered in Kidderminster, has warned people tempted to invest in their homes that they must ‘tick all the boxes’ with correct permissions and complying with planning rules, rather than risk a shock when they come to sell.

He said: “Statistics show that June’s Brexit vote has knocked around £3,600 off house prices for now, which means people are being tempted by extensions and loft conversions.

“That can certainly be a good idea while the country adjusts to the implications of leaving the European Union, but a ‘br-extension’ comes with its own risks and pitfalls and is not to be entered into lightly.”

Mr Simner, who has advised homeowners across the region for more than 30 years, warned anyone considering work to make sure it complies with local authority planning and building regulations.

“Problems with missing or incorrect documentation do not manifest themselves until it comes to selling a property, which is when the buyers’ solicitors start asking questions and requiring proof of permission, all of which can significantly delay transactions”, Mr Simner said.

“Worse, if the local authority takes enforcement action, it can all result in thousands of pounds spent to either get the consent or undo the work.

"My advice, as we see more people considering extensions in the current market, is that home owners need to tick every box and stick closely to all development rules to avoid any long term issues with their property.

"It is surprising how many in the county are missing vital details.”

A recent survey by estate agents Haart found a fall in registrations for house sales both in areas where Leave won the EU vote and in areas that backed Remain. Typically registrations were down 23 per cent in Leave areas and 30 per cent in Remain areas.