Is your home zoned for work?

Property zoning

is the number one hurdle for owners setting up

business

premises at home

, says Craig Mott, a regional sales manager for the Rawson Property Group.

“Most town planning schemes will make provision, without zoning from the municipality, for conducting a profession or occupation from a dwelling house as a primary right – sometimes referred to as a ‘home enterprise’ – provided you meet certain criteria.

“Businesses such as the typical micro business – attorney, GP, accountant or dentist working from a study or consulting room at home – may fall under this category.”

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However, Mott says it’s essential to check with a well-informed property professional before taking those legalities for granted. “You don’t want to get caught out when your

home office

is already up and running.”

He adds larger businesses, or those with a greater potential to impact on the neighbourhood, typically need to have business zoning in place in order to comply.