Can you convert a commercial building into a home?
John Thompson
Published Apr 07, 2026
Commercial property can be converted into a residential property if zoning and housing laws allow. In addition to zoning laws, investors must also ensure that the commercial property is up to code before switching. Remember: commercial and residential properties are not built for the same purpose.
How do I convert my commercial property to residential UK?
In order to convert a commercial building into a residential property, you’ll need to apply to change the use class….Step four – work out a budget
- Planning permission application – £80 to £120.
- Prior approval fee – £200.
- Stamp duty tax.
- Solicitor / surveyor costs.
Why do properties need to be converted?
It makes the converted room look completely brand new and often unrecognisable. Having a project such as a conversion within your house allows you to experiment and be creative as well as bring your visions to life.
Do you need planning permission to change from commercial to residential?
A. Not always. In 2013 the rules changed, which meant some kinds of commercial property could be converted to residential without the need for full planning permission. Whether you can use PDRs to escape full planning permission will first hinge on which ‘use of class’ the commercial property falls in to.
Do you need planning permission to change office to residential?
But you should know that there is no requirement for you to convert the whole of a building, so you can change the use of several floors of a larger office block. Before you start the works for converting your office units into residential units, you need to make a prior approval application.
How much does it cost for change of use?
The fee is the same as if you were making a planning application for that use. Most common are: £462 for each additional dwelling unit that has been created. £462 for change of use of a property or land.
Can you convert retail to residential?
The legislation introduces a new permitted development right (PDR) that allows shop to residential conversions. Put simply, this means that conversions from any of those uses, including retail, to residential will not require full planning permission if certain conditions are met.
Can you convert commercial property to residential Malaysia?
A commercial title can be converted to a residential title but the owner must be able to prove that the property is mainly or wholly used for dwelling.
Can you legally live in a commercial property UK?
If a building is still a registered commercial property, you may need to obtain planning permission before converting it into a residential space. In order to obtain planning permission you will need to apply to your council’s local planning authority (LPA). The application can cost anywhere from £80 to £200.
How to convert a house to a business?
Your architect will check with the municipality in which the house is located for any issues. They will design the changes necessary to make the house work for your business. Local building and zoning officials will determine if the property is zoned for commercial use and if the building is safe to use as an office, shop, or service location.
What kind of building can be converted into a home?
With the help of architect and designer Peter Marino, a Manhattan couple made a Georgian-style club into a family residence. Marino converted four small rooms into an expansive living space and filled it with their incredible modern art collection. In the 18th century, this building located in Ghent, Belgium, stood as an hôtel particulier.
Are there extra costs to converting from commercial to residential?
If you’re about to embark upon a commercial to residential conversion, understanding the extra costs you’ll incur from business rates is important. As I mentioned above, we overlooked it on our first project which resulted in significant additional project costs.
Can a factory building be turned into a home?
Factory buildings transformed into luxury apartments is common across the United States, but there are even more unconventional renovations to see. Take a look at these 17 spaces from the AD archives that have been creatively converted into homes, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, and more.
