Converting a 3bdr to 2bdr

Hi all,

What do i need to do to legally convert a 3bdr house into a 2bdr house within Adelaide? The house would need to be formally registered as a 2bdr house and in the future, potentially convert it back to a 3bdr house. It would be for investment purposes.

I know this is a strange request however i do have my reasons (prefer not to get into it at this stage).

Regards,

Brad

 

registered as a 2 bedroom house with what organisation?

 

So instead of being recognised (officially? Im not sure what the correct terminology is) as a 3bdr home, i am wondering how to get it recongised as a 2bdr home without major renovations (like removing a wall), say a 2bdr home with study or play room. Not sure if its possible or not.

 

Recognised by who? Bank? Valuer? Council? Agent?

 

Council, agent, bank... all of the above. I did just read something that says if it doesn't have a window then it may not be considered a bedroom, more a study. I guess that is one example, just wondering if there were others.

 

I wouldn't worry about it

 

Can't understand why you would want to knock 30% off the value of the house with an unknown possibility of getting it reapproved as a 3 bedder in the future.

 

Ceilings under 2400mm or no window or sometimes not having a door but the first two really.

 

If the house has three tiny rooms that can’t fit wardrobes - might make sense to combine a couple of rooms. At least it did in my place.

 

It's

Because if it's a 3bdr i have to move into it. If it's a 2bdr property, i don't have to move into it and can use it as an investment. I don't want to forgo the subsidised rent for the 4bdr i currently occupy.

 

Thanks for the reply and actually answering the question. I did find the following information from the Building Code Of Australia (Vol 2) - Class 1 and 10 Building Housing Provisions:

3.8.2.2 Ceiling heights Ceiling heights (see Figure 3.8.2.1) must be not less than-
(a) in a habitable room excluding a kitchen - 2.4 m; and ...
(e) in an attic room, room with a sloping ceiling or projection below ceiling line or a non-habitable room or similar space - a height that does not unduly interfere with the proper functioning of the room or space.



3.8.4.2 Natural lighting Natural lighting must be provided in a Class 1 building to all habitable rooms, in accordance with the following:
(a) Natural lighting must be provided by windows that-
(i) have an aggregate light transmitting area measured exclusive of framing members, glazing bars or other obstructions of not less than 10 % of the floor area of the room; and
(ii) are open to the sky or face a court or other space open to the sky or an open verandah, carport or the like.

(b) A window required to provide natural light that faces a boundary of an adjoining allotment must not be less than a horizontal distance of 900 mm from that boundary.

(c) Natural lighting to a room in a Class 1 building may come through a glazed panel or opening from an adjoining room (including an enclosed verandah) if-
(i) the glazed panel or opening has an area of not less than 10 % of the floor area of the room to which it provides light; and
(ii) the adjoining room has windows with an aggregate light transmitting area of not less than 10 % of the combined floor areas of both rooms; and
(iii) the areas specified in (i) and (ii) may be reduced as appropriate if direct natural light is provided from another source.

 

From a valuers perspective for mortgage assessment, my definition of a bedroom is;
-equal or greater than 9m2 area
-adequate natural ventilation and lighting
-clearance of 2.4m
-not a thoroughfare to another area, i.e. a walkway to the courtyard..

 

Build a dummy wall part way into the room and make it a store room. Move a doorway into the kitchen and turn the room into a buttlers pantry.

Find another creative way to lose a room.

 

Council DA is required to change rooms. Not typically an exempt development.
That said as a reduction to 2Bed is probably simple. Reverting later more complex.

I have been asked this question many time in the context of CGT as sometimes people want the costbase on initial use as PPOR to be low so the tax free exempt gain is boosted. However it doesnt work that way. s118-192 only uses a valuation to reset a gain for a property that has always been the home NOT one which has been an investment. I mention this only if that was your thinking.

 

I would like to thank everyone for their posts.

Cheers,

Brad