Article 4 Directions are a tool used by local authorities in the United Kingdom to control the growth of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in certain areas. In this article, we will discuss what an Article 4 Direction is, how it affects property owners, and the implications for those considering purchasing an HMO.
An Article 4 Direction is a legal document issued by a local planning authority that removes the rights of permitted development for a particular area. Permitted development rights allow certain types of development to proceed without the need for planning permission. An Article 4 Direction removes these rights for a particular area, making it necessary for property owners to obtain planning permission for specific types of development.
The purpose of an Article 4 Direction is to give local authorities greater control over the types of development taking place in their area. This can be particularly important in areas where there is a high concentration of HMOs, which can cause issues with overcrowding and a lack of affordable housing.
An Article 4 Direction can cover a range of different types of development, but they are typically used to control the growth of HMOs. HMOs are properties where three or more unrelated people live together, and they are typically rented out on a room-by-room basis. In areas where there is a high demand for affordable housing, HMOs can be an attractive option for property investors, as they can generate higher rental income than traditional single-occupancy properties.
However, there are concerns about the impact of HMOs on local communities. They can cause problems with noise and anti-social behaviour, and there are also concerns about the effect that they can have on the availability of affordable housing for families.
When an Article 4 Direction is put in place, it means that property owners who wish to convert a property into an HMO will need to apply for planning permission. This can be a more time-consuming and expensive process than relying on permitted development rights, and it gives the local authority greater control over the types of development that take place in the area. Here at Aventine Property, we help clients find the best property investment for them.
For property investors who are considering purchasing an HMO, it is important to be aware of whether an Article 4 Direction is in place in the area that they are considering. If an Article 4 Direction is in place, it may be more difficult and time-consuming to obtain planning permission for an HMO. This could impact the viability of the investment and may make it more difficult to generate the desired level of rental income.
It is also worth noting that local authorities can introduce Article 4 Directions retrospectively. This means that if a property owner has already converted a property into an HMO, they may find that they are now required to apply for planning permission to continue using the property in this way.
Overall, Article 4 Directions can have a significant impact on the property market in certain areas. Article 4 give local authorities greater control over the types of development that take place, and they can make it more difficult for property investors to generate rental income from HMOs. However, they are an important tool in controlling the growth of HMOs and ensuring that there is a balance between affordable housing and the needs of local communities. Further details about Article 4 Click here.
If you are considering purchasing an HMO, it is important to be aware of whether an Article 4 Direction is in place in the area that you are considering. This can impact the viability of the investment and may require you to go through the planning permission process, which can be more time-consuming and expensive than relying on permitted development rights. It is also worth speaking to a property professional, such as a local estate agent or a property solicitor, who can advise you on the implications of an Article 4 Direction for your investment.