They definitely will obtain planning consent - we have our permitted development rights removed so we have to have planning for even putting a deckchair out
How realistic is 50% retainer? We tried to get a retainer on our house and solicitor said builder would never go for it these days - people getting too fussy about the plaster being the wrong shade of plaster and holding on to the money.....
How realistic is no deposit?
I think he said 10/20%, maybe 25%. Doesn't seem unreasonable as they have to instruct architects/planners/designers whatever and order products. Not many SMEs would go ahead on a 20k construction project without a deposit? Or they'd get people window shopping/kicking tyres and then not payign up ?