When you hear “floor plan,” you probably picture a simple diagram.
A way to show potential buyers or renters where the kitchen and bathroom are. But what if we told you a professional floor plan could mean the difference between a fast sale and a listing that lingers? Or even a passed inspection vs. a costly delay?
Aside from marketing a property, floor plans do far more than help sell houses when required. For landlords, property managers and business owners, they can also protect against licensing setbacks and safety risks.
Let’s explore the value of professional floor plans and why “close enough” just isn’t good enough anymore..
Why Do Floor Plans Help Properties Sell Faster?
Put simply, they help people picture their lives inside a space.
According to Rightmove, listings with floor plans get up to 30% more interest. And Zoopla reports that many buyers now expect them as standard.
Why?
They build trust. A floor plan shows transparency, that you're not hiding anything.
They tell a visual story. Buyers can see how rooms connect, where the light comes in, and whether their sofa fits in the living room
They save time. Fewer pointless viewings. Fewer misunderstandings.
A buyer standing in your property room for a second time, saying “Oh, I didn’t realise the bedrooms were this small,” is not a good use of anyone’s time. A professional plan helps avoid situations like this.
Are Floor Plans Legally Required for Landlords?
Usually, for most rented properties, it’s not a legal requirement to have a floor plan.
However, if you’re applying for a licence (like an HMO licence), councils often require an accurate, up-to-date floor plan that shows:
Room sizes and usage
Kitchens, bathrooms and shared facilities
Fire exits and escape routes
Send in a DIY sketch or vague plan, and here’s what might happen:
Delays – inaccurate plans can hold up licence approvals.
Rejections – applications may be refused until correct documentation is provided.
Costly revisions – errors mean paying again for a corrected version.
Our advice would be to invest once and do it right. A proper floor plan pays for itself the first time your licence isn’t held up.
Could a Floor Plan Help Save Lives?
It might sound dramatic, but a clear floor plan can make all the difference in an emergency.
For businesses and some landlords, floor plans are also a vital part of fire safety compliance.
Fire risk assessments require detailed, accurate plans that include:
Fire exits and evacuation routes.
Fire doors, alarms, and extinguishers.
Occupancy details and layout information.
Why does this matter?
Because in the event of an emergency, clarity can save lives. Accurate floor plans help responsible persons (as defined under the Fire Safety Order) ensure their property complies with legal requirements and that everyone inside knows how to evacuate safely.
Inaccurate or outdated plans can result in:
Non-compliance fines or penalties.
Increased risk during inspections.
Potential liability if safety measures fail.
Professional floor plans give business owners and landlords peace of mind that they’ve taken the necessary steps to protect occupants and comply with regulations.
“Can’t I Just Draw It Myself?”
You can, but should you?
It’s tempting to think a quick sketch or outdated plan will “do the job” – but when it comes to compliance or trying to appeal to potential buyers, accuracy is everything.
A quick sketch may feel like a shortcut, but it can lead to costly problems later.
Professional floor plans offer:
Accuracy: Proper measurements, no guesswork
Compliance: Meets all licensing and fire safety standards
Clarity: Clear to agents, assessors, buyers, and officials
Efficiency: Done once, done right
Whether you’re showcasing a property on the market, applying for a licence, or completing a fire safety assessment, professional plans are a small investment that can prevent big problems.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Do I need a floor plan to sell my home?
Not legally. But your listing will likely get more attention and sell faster with one.
Do all rentals need floor plans?
No, but if you're applying for an HMO or another licence, you’ll probably need one.
What’s in a fire safety floor plan?
Fire exits, alarms, doors, extinguisher locations, room use, plus dimensions and layout. It can help with evacuation plans, and it’s something you can hand straight to the fire service to help them do their job safely and more efficiently in the event of an emergency.
What if I’ve already got an old floor plan?
Using an outdated floor plan is a risk. If your property’s layout has changed, or if regulations have updated, get a new one.
What’s Peace of Mind Worth?
Whether you’re trying to impress buyers, tick off licensing boxes, or prove your property’s fire-safe, precision matters.
They’re not just about making your property look good - they’re about making sure it’s safe, compliant and market-ready.
Book your floor plan with EPC247 today and get accuracy, compliance and peace of mind.
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