Understanding the Uses of D1 and D2 Property

When it comes to buying or selling property, it is essential that what you are after meets the correct classification. There are many different types of property classification, from A1 to D2. Many people can easily become confused between D1 and D2 commercial property. Here we detail the difference between the two and the importance of knowing which is which, whether purchasing or selling such property.

Importance of Classification

Classifications for properties are often defined by local authorities, meaning that certain buildings can only be used for specific activities. For example, properties that are defined as Class A3 can only be used to sell food and drink and no other purpose. This means that local governments and councils can implement their plans for towns and cities by determining what types of buildings can go where.

If in a residential area there is a problem with a lot of on street parking from workers, they may want to prevent more offices appearing in that area. This could be done by classifying other buildings not with a B1 classification (business use) being built, so that no more offices can appear in the area.

D1 – Non-residential

Two commercial property classifications which are similar are that of D1 and D2 buildings. When planning to buy D1 and D2 property with DeVono, it is vital that you get the right classification for the intended use of the building.

D1 class refers to non-residential institutions. This includes buildings being used for medical and health services, as a nursery, to display art, providing education, as a library, public hall or for public religious worship. It can get a bit more complicated with restricted D1 use. These can either restrict the building for that specific use (such as it being restricted only for medical use) or restricting against, so it cannot be used to display art, for example.

D2 – Assembly and Leisure

Properties that are defined as D2 class cover those used for assembly and leisure. This includes the likes of a cinema, concert, bingo or dance hall, swimming pool, gymnasium or other indoor or outdoor sports not using motorised vehicles or firearms. Therefore if you are hoping to set up such a facility or sell this type of property, you must ensure it falls under this class.

Hopefully this makes the difference between D1 and D2 commercial property clearer. For more specifics and further information, check out the amended Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Rental stock availability in England rises by 19.7%

The latest rental stock analysis from Adiuvo, the UK’s leading provider of 24/7 property management solutions, reveals that tenants in England are benefitting from a 19.7% increase in stock over the 12 months leading up to Q3 2025. In some areas of the country, annual stock growth easily exceeded 50%. Adiuvo has analysed rental listings…
Read More
Breaking News

Tenant demand continues to climb in Q3 as rental market shows no signs of cooling

The latest market analysis by Dwelly, one of the UK’s leading lettings acquisition and success planning experts, has revealed that tenant demand continued to climb across the rental sector during the third quarter of this year, with West Sussex home to the highest demand, whilst Rutland saw the largest quarterly increase. Dwelly’s Rental Demand Index* analyses…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax House Price Index for September 2025 – Thoughts from the Industry

Halifax House Price Index for September 2025. The latest index shows that: On a monthly basis, house prices fell by -0.3% between August and September 2025. However, house prices were up 1.3% on an annual basis. The new average house price now sits at £298,184. Thoughts from the Industry. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments:…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax House Price Index for September 2025

House prices in September 2025 were -0.3% lower than the same month a year earlier. Average house price – £298,184 Monthly change -0.3% Quarterly change +0.4% Annual change +1.3%   Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Halifax, said: “The average UK house price edged down by -0.3% (£794) in September, following a modest rise in August.…
Read More
New Build for Merseyside
Breaking News

First-time buyer demand falls sharply

First-time buyer demand falls sharply across Britain’s major cities, with Nottingham leading the decline The latest research by Yopa has shown that first-time buyer demand has dropped significantly across a number of major British cities, with Nottingham seeing the sharpest decline since the start of the year. Yopa analysed first-time buyer (FTB) demand based on…
Read More
Breaking News

Families to save hundreds of pounds through major homebuying overhaul

·        Buying or selling a home to be faster, cheaper, and easier under common-sense reforms ·        First-time buyers to save £710 on average, putting money back into people’s pockets ·        Proposals will halve number failed transactions, preventing last minute fall throughs, slashing weeks off the process and driving up standards across the board Hundreds of thousands of first-time…
Read More