Research by insurance giant Direct Line has found that the majority of estate agents are happy to sell properties even when the homes they sell do not have planning permission for key features.
A survey of almost 250 estate agents found that 94% were willing to sell properties despite nightmarish renovations that had not been approved by planners. 
These included the removal of load-bearing walls, windows overlooking neighbours, unapproved loft conversions, missing chimneys, illegal extensions and even the conversion of a house into apartments without planning permission.
While real estate agents are willing to take on poorly qualified listings, it often creates major headaches for all parties, with about a quarter of agents saying long lead times have caused buyers to back out, deals to fall through or mortgage applications to lapse.
This involves obtaining retrospective planning permission for existing facilities which can take several months, obtaining indemnity insurance by the buyer and, shockingly, some buyers simply ignoring it and going ahead with their purchase.
Direct Line said that on average estate agents come across six properties a year that do not have the necessary permissions, and 39% have been asked to sell between six and 10 homes without consent.
Attractive
“There's a lot of conflicting advice about what kind of property improvements require planning permission,” says Dan Simson, director of Direct Line Home Insurance.
“It may be tempting to jump right in without checking, but it's important to do your research so you know what's required.
“Permission may be granted retroactively, but for some unlucky owners, works may have to be redone, resulting in significant losses for the homeowner.”
