As night follows day, should we be wondering why there is now an explosion of basement planning applications amongst the cognoscenti in certain parts of London?<\/p>\n
There is a mixture of driving forces here, all conspiring together, which have created this new \u2018thirst\u2019 for additional space by way of basement areas and here are some of the reasons why:<\/p>\n
. Residential property prices in the Capital have gone up relentlessly over time and, since land is scarce, digging a basement in an existing property, is a relatively inexpensive way to create more usable, affordable living space or perhaps, heaven forbid, even make a profit?<\/p>\n
. Thanks to our former esteemed Chancellor\u2019s draconian rises in Stamp Duty, the cost of moving is now so expensive (up to circa 15% + estate agents\/solicitors fees) some homeowners are \u2018staying put\u2019 and choosing to extend\/develop their properties by means of extensions, loft conversions and basements. Can you blame them?<\/p>\n
. It normally costs circa \u00a3300 per foot\u00b2 to build a basement yet it could add between \u00a31000-\u00a36000 per foot\u00b2 to the value of the property, when complete. So, it\u2019s a \u2018no brainer\u2019, particularly as any gain is tax-free.<\/p>\n
Basements are no longer dingy, dank areas of old, sometimes they create such useful and desirable living areas, that they overshadow the rest of the accommodation above ground. Invariably, the spaces flow better with greater ceiling heights, since the ability to design clear and uncluttered areas, is easier below ground than above. For some the privacy that the below ground space affords is irresistible.<\/p>\n
. By their very nature, basement accommodation is soundproof and secure and, therefore, if you wanted the trappings of luxury such as private cinema\/disco\/party room, or in fact, an indoor swimming pool\/Spa this would be perfectly possible. Some basements have sophisticated wine cellars with cigar smoking rooms and even rifle ranges or indoor golf academy areas.<\/p>\n
. Basement construction happens underground and, therefore, the noise, dust and usual inconvenience of the building process is limited to the adjoining owners or the residents in the street, particularly after the soil has been removed at the beginning of the job.<\/p>\n
In fact, it is now quite common to not only have an indoor car storage area, but this now extends to galleries for classic cars which become trophies of the \u2018uber-rich\u2019.<\/p>\n
According to the press, Westminster Council wants to charge up to \u00a38000 or more, for planning consent for a basement area since even they have \u2018cottoned-on\u2019 to the game plan.<\/p>\n
However, certain \u2018left-leaning\u2019 councils are using ecological arguments to halt this basement revolution and we all know that this is driven by the \u2018politics of envy\u2019 rather than anything else as it is only the middle to upper classes who will be affected by this. It is now a war between the \u2018have\u2019 and \u2018have nots\u2019.<\/p>\n
Frankly, I believe that councils should charge fully for the consents, and there should be more \u2018live and let live\u2019 attitude rather than the gratuitous interference which exists at the moment.<\/p>\n
Maybe, our present Chancellor, Mr. Hammond needs to look again at the Stamp Duty levels which have skewered the market place, so significantly, to the detriment of homeowners and the Treasury alike.<\/p>\n
Mr. Osborne and his \u2018shock and awe\u2019 policies were ill-conceived in 2014 and all the more so now. He has decimated the property market in London which is one of the driving forces for the Economy generally and, somewhat foolishly, gained nothing for it by means of increased tax revenues which has to be \u2018folie de grandeur\u2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As night follows day, should we be wondering why there is now an explosion of basement planning applications amongst the cognoscenti in certain parts of London? There is a mixture of driving forces here, all conspiring together, which have created … Continue reading