Using apartment as an office

[Makeithappen.]

Hi

I am opening a business in Glasgow. I will hire three employees and I am thinking about renting a large apartment instead of some boring office over-priced office space.

We are offering services and are only using our computers and phones so there won't be any physical practices going on that would require any special permits.

Can someone enlighten me on the process of submitting your apartment as an official office?


Thank you

 

[Scalloway]

Speak to the planning department but don't hold out your hopes.

 

[Karimbo]

i reckon neighbours would object.

 

[Makeithappen.]

The thing is, there is no clientele that will visit our offices unless it is an appointment.

 

[TODonnell]

I'd guess it depends on how much your activities would annoy the neighbours. If you're as quiet as mice, who'll know?

If the walls are paper thin and you're constantly making calls and taking up 4 parking spaces all day and have people traipsing up and down the stairs, the council will probably get a call.

 

[Karimbo]

this is not legal advice. But if you want to do this, just do it. Don't tell the council. They will almost certainly object. But if you're not making any noise and neighbours dont suspect you're using the property for business - nobody needs to know.

Councils are generally OK with you using a spare room for your home based business provided you do not have visitors and don't cause disturbance to your neighbours. But when you have employees coming in it can be tricky.

 

[john1989]

Good look renting a residential property purely for commercial use. I'm sure the tenancy agreement will prohibit it.

 

[kingblinguk]

To start off, its a good idea. But when any client wants to visit, then it might be a bad impression issue.

 

[Makeithappen.]

What if we are the only tenants in the building (for example : the apartment is located above a store)?

 

[TODonnell]

... But if you want to do this, just do it. Don't tell the council. They will almost certainly object. But if you're not making any noise and neighbours dont suspect you're using the property for business - nobody needs to know. ...

This is basically it. You can do it as long as no one objects. No one will object if you don't make a nuisance of yourself.

I note how there are no obvious businesses operating from residential properties in London where I live, despite the area being a hub of commerce. So I guess there are some filters in place which we noobs can't see ... Landlord objection, The Man From The Council, Psychotic Neighbour On The Night Shift Who Has A Baseball Bat, or somesuch.

 

[lucidity]

Sounds like a potentially good idea.
You presumably want to minimise your costs, right ?
So..
(a) what's the council tax rate for a business premises vs residential premises ?
(I don't know. Are business rates more than residential rates for council tax ?)
(b) if you register for VAT will you be able to claim back the VAT on business premises improvements, new flooring for 'office' areas, desks, lighting etc.

Thanks to anyone who's knowledgable in these areas and replies.

be happy

lucidity