Convert an office or commercial building into homes
Commercial-to-residential conversions can be efficient — often via permitted development — but light, space and building-control standards must be met. PlotWorthy guides the route from prior approval to completed homes.
You are here · Stage 3 of 7
Is it viable?
Test permitted development / planning route and daylight, space and numbers.
Three immediate actions
- 1. Check whether prior approval (Class MA) or full planning applies.
- 2. Test layouts against space and daylight standards.
- 3. Prepare a development appraisal.
Important decision
Is the conversion viable on both consent route and numbers?
Professionals needed now
What happens afterwards: If viable, we secure prior approval or permission.
Real local checks for your property
Enter a postcode to check — from official sources — Article 4 status, conservation area, listed buildings, flood risk and recent planning applications nearby.
A full postcode gives the most precise result; an outcode (e.g. B14) uses the area centroid.
Want the verdict in one place? Get a free feasibility report — what's in your favour and what to watch, from official data.
Get feasibility report →End-to-end timescale
Typically 8–14 months, brief to completion.
Consents & regulations
Prior approval (Class MA) or full planning · daylight, fire & structural upgrades.
Key thing to watch
Class MA prior approval has qualifying criteria; daylight and fire are decisive.
Your full journey
The whole path is visible. Your current stage is open; tap any stage to preview it.
Your current stage — everything you need now
Establish the consent route (often prior approval) and test light, space and the development numbers.
Your action checklist
Important decision to make
Is the conversion viable on both consent route and numbers?
Key considerations at this stage
- Class MA prior approval has qualifying criteria — check them carefully.
- Daylight, noise and flood assessments can make or break approval.
- An appraisal confirms the scheme stacks up before you spend.
Information or documents you’ll need
- Prior-approval / planning check
- Test layouts
- Development appraisal
Professionals you may need now
Introduce me to someone:
What happens afterwards
If viable, we secure prior approval or permission.
Vetted professionals for your postcode
Enter the property postcode to see professionals who cover that area for this project type.
Example professional profiles — for demonstration
Surveyor / valuer · covering your area
RICS building surveys and valuations for conversion and investment.
Commercial adviser · covering your area
Development appraisals, funding and exit strategy for small schemes.
Architect · covering your area
Residential conversions and HMOs. Strong on feasibility and planning-led design.
Planning consultant · covering your area
Article 4 and permitted development specialist. High approval record.
Best-practice resources
Trusted official guidance for this project type. Opens the source in a new tab.
Same seven stages, every project
Your goal · The property · Is it viable? · Get permission · Make it buildable · Deliver the project · Complete and operate