How to know if renovations/parking possible before buying

Hi guys

Im sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but I'm interested in a terrace property in Sydney's inner west that does not have parking and no attic. There is a rear lane in the property and I'd like to know whether its possible to put a roller door on the back fence and park on the property and whether its possible to put an attic in.


The problem I have is, how do I find this out before making a decision to bid at the auction in 3 weeks?

I realise planning rules etc are really complex, however, is there any way you can find out whether any of this is possible before bidding? I don't want to purchase if these things are not possible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

I'm no authority on the topic but I'm familiar with what you are getting at.

If its a laneway then the neighboring properties will probably have the same arrangement and I'd be somewhat confident it will be fine. If however there is public street parking in the way then I wouldn't rate your chances.

If it is that important to you then you should probably engage a town planner for a better idea.

 

Ah ok, thank you MB18, I'll try to see what other properties via google maps have done at the back lane

 

Some of those laneways are pedestrian only (which would be obvious), but the other issue you might have is the presence of a large tree an the extent to which you can/can't cut it down.

Considering the value that a carspace adds in the innerwest, I can't help but wonder why a property for sale wouldn't have approval already if it was going to be possible.

 

Yes it's kind of weird and I would have thought it a car space would be there already, but I realise these terraces always have a small courtyard and parking would be on the courtyard. I suspect the value of the little outdoor area/courtyard is more important to some people?

 

Most that Ive seen have the courtyard doubling as either a courtyard or parking, usually with some site leveling and paving being about all thats required to balance the two.

 

As for the attic, do you have pictures of the roof cavity?

 

I wish I did but have nothing. My premise for the attic is that so many terraces in Sydney have attic rooms in them, although I accept they must differ in terms of roof space as the late 1800's probably didn't have much in the way of uniform building codes!

 

You could get a building and pest inspection done and ask for pictures.

 

Ay yes that is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that

 

When you book the inspection, state what you plan to do so that this can be specifically checked.

 

Thank you, I will

 

Have you thought about getting a quote for the renovation from a builder? This will cost you probably around $200 (going by what I paid before), but will also give you an idea what is possible if they are experienced they probably won't quote stuff that is not possible. Otherwise, a private town planner is your friend, too.