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“It’s got a Safe and Sanitary report, so we’re good... right?”
That’s what the agent told my client. It was a 3-bed villa in Sandringham, with an unconsented studio out back.
Sounded promising—until I asked:
“When was it built?”
“Not sure... maybe early 2000s?”
Agents often treat Safe and Sanitary reports as a Get Out of Jail Free card.
But it’s not.
Not legally.
Not even close.
As mortgage advisors, you will often be the first to see the due diligence documents.
That’s the moment to ask — does this report even apply to the era?
A Safe & Sanitary report is:
If your client relies on one for post-1992 work, they risk:
Before 1 July 1992, most work was done under a building permit system.
There was no CCC regime.
DIY? Common.
Permits? Optional for many owners.
To tidy up historic alterations, people would hire a private surveyor to do a Safe & Sanitary report. These simply state the structure was not dangerous or insanitary.
But the report:
Use our 1-page flow chart to understand if a CCC, COA or Safe and Sanitary Report is required:
✅ Pre-1992 work?
→ A Safe & Sanitary letter may help as a record, but it’s not sign-off.
→ If on the council file, some lenders may accept it with full insurance.
❌ Post-1992 work?
→ A Safe & Sanitary report means nothing.
→ Your only options are:
In this case, the studio was built around 2000. We made the COA a condition of settlement and added a 3-month sunset clause in case it wasn’t granted in time.
A Safe and Sanitary letter is not formal approval.
It does not mean Council endorses the work. It only confirms they won’t take enforcement action right now — but they still can later.
✅ Can my client buy subject to this issue?
Yes, if they:
