Prior approval is the story in Birmingham's planning register
In the 12 months from 7 October 2025, Birmingham's register logged 283 commercial applications, 161 change-of-use applications and 15 commercial-to-residential proposals. Most of the recent examples are prior approval applications under permitted development rather than full planning applications.
The size range is wide. Recent proposals include:
- part of a ground-floor office becoming a single dwelling
- existing offices split into two one-bedroom homes
- Class E buildings converted into 12 apartments, and another into 38
- office space turned into three apartments through a full application
A bridge suits this pattern because lenders can fund the purchase of a Class E building before or during the prior approval process, then fund or sit alongside the works, with repayment from sale of the flats or a refinance once they are let.
What the Land Registry numbers say about the city
HM Land Registry data to 30 June 2026 records a median price of £222,500 across all property types in Birmingham, from 10,407 transactions in the previous 12 months, with prices 1.1% higher year on year. These figures cover all property, not only commercial, but they tell lenders something useful: there is a deep, active market for the homes that a conversion scheme produces.
That depth supports a sale exit. It does not replace a valuation, and lenders will still want to see comparable evidence for the specific type of flat you intend to create.
Small conversions and 38-unit blocks need different lenders
A one or two dwelling conversion can often sit on a standard commercial bridge, with any light works funded from your own resources. A scheme of 12 or 38 apartments is a different proposition. The works are heavier, the term is longer and the lender will usually release funds for works in stages after monitoring surveyor sign-off.
Our pages on commercial to residential bridging and light versus heavy refurbishment explain how lenders split those cases. Read the guide to Class MA permitted development before you buy: prior approval is not automatic, and matters such as natural light, noise and fire safety are assessed.
Getting Birmingham terms in front of you
Send us the address, purchase price or current value, the loan you need, the planning position and how you intend to repay. Loan to value is commonly up to 70% to 75% on a first charge for standard commercial property, and terms usually run from 6 to 18 months. You can test the numbers first on our bridging loan calculator.
If a property includes a flat that you or a family member will live in, the loan may be regulated, so we introduce the case to a firm directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
