Property owners looking to sell their property usually need to provide their solicitor with a what is usually called an Opinion on Compliance with Planning Permission. This is provided to the buyer as part of the contract documents for the sale. It is an Opinion provided by an Engineer or Building Surveyor stating whether the property, as built, complies with the historical planning regulations and permissions that apply to the property.
A Certificate of Compliance with Planning Permission is similar, but usually is issued at the time of construction – either of the original house or apartment, or a subsequent construction phase, normally an extension or renovation. The Certificate is provided by the Engineer or Surveyor who oversaw the construction work, and often it also includes certification of the construction in relation to Building Regulations.