In some circumstances, depending on the view of the local authority, you may need to obtain planning permission to change a residential or buy-to-let property into serviced accommodation.
It all depends on whether the local authority considers there has been a ‘material change’ in use, from residential (C3) to something more like a hotel or guest house (C1).
There is currently no specific planning designation for serviced accommodation, which falls between a buy-to-let and a hotel - so it’s vital that you seek advice from your local authority before buying or converting a property.
The reason that some councils are taking a harder line is because serviced apartments - which can have an ever-changing roster of guests - can be unpopular with neighbours, particularly where there are shared communal areas like hallways, and can also impact the availability of longer-term rental properties.
Some councils restrict the number of days a year you are able to rent out as short-term lets - which significantly cuts down on your ability to earn enough income to make the business viable.