united-kingdom homeownership
Purchasing an HMO for use as a family home
<p>I am based in the UK and wish to purchase a house that is currently set up as an HMO (although I don't know what use class it's currently registered as - It was previously used as sheltered accommodation for the elderly.) There is now no-one living there.</p>
<p>Are there any legal processes or fees that I should be aware of, in order to purchase this home and use it as my family home; outside of the usual conveyancing costs? Do I need to apply for planning permission for change of use?</p>

<blockquote>
<p>C3a class is a standard family/single occupancy dwelling. C4 class
refers to small HMOs (of between 3 and 6 occupiers) and Sui Generis
literally means “in a class of its own” and covers large HMOs of 7 or
more people.</p>
<p>You <strong>always</strong> need planning permission to move in and out of the Sui
Generis use class, so any HMO of 7 or more people needs planning
permission regardless of location.</p>
<p>It is a <strong>Permitted Development Right</strong> to move between C3 and C4
classes and back again, so in most cases, a small HMO does not need
planning permission. However, you may also need planning permission if
your HMO is in the C4 class and your local authority has an Article 4
Direction.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.portico.com/blog/landlord-advice/do-i-need-planning-permission-for-my-hmo" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.portico.com/blog/landlord-advice/do-i-need-planning-permission-for-my-hmo</a></p>
<p>Classes of buildings and permission required to move between:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/9/change_of_use/2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/9/change_of_use/2</a></p>
<p>The above is for England, the rules are different for other parts of the UK.</p>
