Buying a flat. no building control completion certificate, seller now trying retrospective approval
Hi all, I’d really appreciate some advice as I’m a first-time buyer in England and this situation is getting quite stressful.
I’m in the process of buying a leasehold flat (share of freehold) in the UK, and everything was progressing normally until an issue came up during enquiries.
My solicitor has confirmed that:
- There is no Building Control Completion Certificate on record for the construction of the property. NHBC did not provide building control services, so that route is not available
- My solicitor has now been asked to contact local authority building control to try to obtain a retrospective completion certificate (regularisation).
From what I understand, this will require an inspection and possibly opening up parts of the property if the council needs to check compliance.
My solicitor has said that this will delay the process significantly and my mortgage lender may refuse to lend if this isn’t resolved.
I’m trying to understand how serious this is in practice.
My concerns:
- How common is it for a property to not have a completion certificate at all?
- Has anyone gone through a retrospective regularisation process? How long did it take?
- Is there a real risk the council refuses to issue a certificate?
- Would you proceed with the purchase or walk away at this stage?
The flat is currently habitable and has been lived in. Built in 2006 and the seller bougth it in 2019. There is another family living downstairs (2 floor flat building). Survey didn’t highlight any major structural issues.
I really like the property, but the uncertainty is making me nervous.