"Foreign Student" wrote in message
...
I am considering buying a garage for storage space and use as a
workshop for building models. An example of something under £10k
(auction guide price) is he

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...-23262211.html

I have some questions...

...about buying garages:
1. How well do garages keep their value over the years?

The price of a garage is determined by its rental value. As long as it
remains rentable it will hold its value

2. Will it be difficult to get a landline, plumbing, gas and
electricity in?

It will be difficult and expensive. If these things are currently not
supplied "in the road" then getting them put in will cost several times the
cost of the garage.

3. What is the likelihood of planning permission being granted a few
years down the line to convert a garage into a studio flat?

If it's surrounded by other garages, no chance at all (and who would live
there if you did?). Unless that is, you knock them all down and replace
with a new build

4. What can go wrong with a garage and how badly can the future sale
price be affected?

...about buying in auctions:
1. Is it worth getting a surveyor to look at the property?

This is a very difficult decision. Usually you will win say, about 10% of
the properties that you are interested in. Getting them all surveyed will
cost more than just taking the hit if you get it wrong. But if you are only
buying one property .....

2. Generally, will the guide price be close to the sale price?

Varies a lot. 20% over is quite common. For a popular lot, 150% over is
not unknown. Some properties don't even reach the guide.

What I can say is that the guide price usually fairly takes into account the
condition. A low than expected guide suggest that there is something wrong
with the property.

3. If planning permission to convert the garage into a dwelling could
be secured, how much will it raise the subsequent auction price by?

3 or 4 times.

tim