Thinking of transforming your new property into your dream home? 

Before you grab a sledgehammer or hire a builder, there are a few legal essentials you should know. 

Whether it’s a modest extension, a loft conversion, or a full-on revamp, understanding the legal side of things could save you time, money, and major headaches down the line.

🔒 Restrictive Covenants – What They Are and Why They Matter

A restrictive covenant is a condition written into your property’s title deeds that limits what you can do with the property. These conditions are legally binding and stay with the land, even if it changes owners.

Examples include:

• Not being allowed to extend the property beyond a certain point
• Restrictions on the type of materials used for renovations
• Limits on running a business from home
• Bans on building structures like sheds or fences without permission

Why you should care: If you breach a restrictive covenant—even unknowingly—you could face:

• Legal action from those who benefit from the covenant (usually neighbours or the original developer)
• An expensive injunction to undo your renovation
• A significant drop in property value if you’re forced to reverse the work

🧾 How to Check for Restrictive Covenants

Good news—you can check for restrictive covenants easily and cheaply:

Step 1: Visit the HM Land Registry website 

Step 2: Enter the property’s address and download the title register and title plan.

Step 3: Look under the “Charges Register” section for details of any restrictive covenants.

Cost: Just £7 per document—well worth it to avoid costly mistakes!

🛠️ Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Even if there are no restrictive covenants, you may still need to consider planning permission or building regulations approval.

• Planning Permission: Required for larger extensions, changes to listed buildings, or major exterior alterations.
• Building Regulations: Applies to structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, insulation, etc. Your contractor must comply with these to ensure safety and legal approval.

Before committing to any project:

• Check with your local planning authority
• Speak to your solicitor (like us!) about any legal implications
• Make sure your builder is certified and insured

🧠 How MSD Law Can Help

At MSD Law, we don’t just help you buy a house—we help you future-proof your investment.

✅ We check for restrictive covenants during the conveyancing process and explain what they mean in plain English 

✅ We guide you through the legal permissions you might need 

✅ We’re here to answer your renovation-related questions even after completion

Thinking about buying and renovating? We’d love to help you start off on the right foot.

🔗 Get a free quote or contact us here: https://linktr.ee/msdlaw

🧰 Helpful Resources

Need a bit more support? Here’s your renovation-ready reading list:

1. HM Land Registry Search – Check title documents and restrictive covenants (£7 per document)
2. The Ultimate Guide to Your Conveyancing Process – Learn how the legal side of buying works
3. How We Take Care Of You During the Conveyancing Process – See how MSD makes the journey easier
4. Taking Care of Yourself During the Conveyancing Process – Because your wellbeing matters too

To find out more about how we can help, get in touch today – 01952 825050 / info@msdlaw.co.uk

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