Refinance - Planning: Extensions to Property

Planning: Extensions to Property and Why a Certificate of Exemption is needed

Why planning compliance matters

When we certify title to the bank, we are confirming that:

The property is built in compliance with planning legislation.
Any works carried out (like extensions or alterations) are lawful and meet current building regulations.

This isn’t just for the bank’s benefit – it also protects you for the future. If you decide to sell the property, the buyer’s solicitor will require the same confirmations. Having everything in order now avoids delays and complications later.

Your extension

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We understand that you have built an extension to your home. Under Irish planning laws:
Extensions up to 40 square metres are usually considered exempt development and therefore do not need planning permission. However, even if no permission was required, the law still requires us to provide evidence to the bank that the extension:
1. Is indeed exempt from planning permission; and
2. Was built in compliance with Building Regulations (covering safety, structure, insulation, fire protection, etc.).

What you will need

To satisfy these requirements, you will need to obtain an Architect’s (or Engineers) Certificate of Compliance. This certificate will confirm that:

The extension is exempt from planning permission, and
The work complies with Building Regulations.

This document is essential for:

Completing your refinancing and allowing us to certify title to the bank, and
Ensuring a smooth future sale of the property.

Next steps

If you had an architect or engineer involved when the extension was built, you should contact them to provide this certificate.
If you did not use a professional at the time, or you no longer have their details, we can recommend someone suitable to assist.

The typical cost of such a certificate is around €500 (plus VAT).

Summary

The lender requires us to confirm planning and building compliance before we can certify your title.
Your extension does not need planning permission (as it is under 40 sq. m), but you must still obtain an Architect’s Certificate of Compliance.
This will benefit you now (for the refinance) and in the future (for any sale).

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