These restrictive covenants are legally binding rules that many homeowners may be breaking without realising.
From pet bans to parking restrictions, these seven common issues can cause significant delays during the conveyancing process or even collapse a sale entirely.
“Hidden clauses in your property deeds are officially known as restrictive covenants, and they are legally binding rules that outline which things you can’t do within your home,” explains Jack Malnick, property expert and MD of Sell House Fast.
“Many of these clauses are outdated and could be broken every day, but it’s important to know if they impact the sale of your property.”
There are seven things in particular that could get in the way of your home sale.
Some covenants ban animals
GETTY
No pets
Some covenants completely ban animals from being kept on the premises. This is particularly common in leasehold flats in older mansion blocks or retirement complexes.
Owners may need to apply for permission or even rehome pets to avoid breaching their contract.
No parking on the driveway
Some properties may specify no driveway parking in an attempt to preserve the “visual harmony” of an estate or development. These restrictions are most commonly enforced on new-build developments or older homes where aesthetic rules were part of the original estate plan.
No hanging out the washing
Some covenants may require you to dry laundry out of sight, particularly in properties with balconies or terraces, Jack explained.
While seemingly harmless, hanging a towel on a balcony or using a washing line could result in warnings or complaints. If your buyer’s solicitor discovers you’ve broken this rule, it can delay your sale.
No WFH
Many older suburban estates, new builds or rural properties prohibit “trade or business use” of a property. Running a home business like a salon or dog groomers could be risky, but even remote working or online selling might cause problems.
While court action is rare, these issues can emerge during conveyancing if your business use is well-known.
No satellite dish
A visible satellite dish or aerial can be problematic in modern housing estates, leasehold properties or listed buildings.
Homeowners might be ordered to remove dishes entirely or relocate them to less visible positions. Failure to comply could block a sale or even lead to formal legal challenges.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bold colours may not be allowed
GETTY
No extensions without permission from a company that no longer exists
Some older properties require written permission from the original developer before adding extensions, garages, or sheds, the expert warned.
If that company no longer exists, homeowners face a legal bind with nobody to grant consent. This can cause chaos in conveyancing, potentially requiring indemnity insurance or even undoing extensions. In extreme cases, buyers walk away completely, fearing future liability.
No bold colours
Bright colours could also halt a sale, particularly in new builds and conservation areas.
Some properties have covenants restricting the types of paint, materials or cladding used on doors, windows or exterior walls. While easily rectified, these restrictions can still cause complications during the selling process.
Jack advised that sellers worried about covenant issues might consider using a cash-buying service.
He said: “For sellers who are worried about legal complications or are already facing a collapsed sale due to a covenant issue, using a cash-buying service can be a fast and hassle-free solution.”
