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C is for Covenants
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Covenants, quite simply, are rules (found in the title deeds of the majority of properties in the UK) governing what CAN and CANNOT be done to a property or its land or HOW IT CAN BE USED.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Typically they are designed to maintain the character or uniformity of an area.
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It's important to be aware of restrictive covenants relating to your own property so that you can avoid breaching them - which could lead to legal action from those with the benefit of the covenant 😬
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Here are some examples of common 'restrictive' covenants:
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🚫 no alterations to property without consent
🚫 no caravans to be parked on the property
🚫 no satellite dishes
🚫 property not to be used for trade or business
🚫 activity that would be a nuisance to neighbours
🚫 limit on number/type of animals on the property
🚫 not displaying washing in a “lewd or lascivious manner"
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🤣 Ok, so the last one isn't exactly common these days but it is an example of a restrictive covenant from an Edwardian property in Brighton & Hove. The lesson here? Always check the small print on your title deeds. The age of a covenant doesn't always affect its validity....
About this article — written by the Agreed team. We publish honest, hands-on guides on UK property based on what our associates and developer partners are actually doing day-to-day. Spot something out of date or wrong? Tell us via the contact page.