ᐅ From Supermarket to Apartment

Yes, I might be a bit crazy – actually, pretty sure I am. But that’s the only way it’s fun :-D
Let me start from the beginning:
I’m somewhat into cars, mainly classic cars. So, I have been looking for a property with a garage or workshop space for a while. This is really difficult around here; for every suitable property, you find about 150 regular houses.
Anyway, I ended up with a supermarket located on the ground floor of a large multi-family building. It has over 500m² (5,382 sq ft), and currently an electronics company occupies the space.
It’s a condominium community, and naturally, I have no experience with that. What should I be aware of? What I have learned so far is that any changes to the exterior require general approval from the community. I don’t plan anything except maybe installing a gate for the courtyard, which would also belong to me.

Inside, three walls need to be removed (toilets) to create a functional living room and bedroom. Of course, this will be checked by a structural engineer. The question is whether I also need approval from the co-owners for this?

Or is there anything else you think I should consider? I will also, of course, talk to the local authorities since I will be living in a commercial property, which is allowed as a manager’s apartment. I’m also unsure if I will need a building permit / planning permission if I remove the three walls and enlarge existing slit windows downward.

I’m sure I will think of more things, but these are the basic points for now.

I have HEARD that since January 1, 2016, all renovations requiring a building permit or structural changes must comply with the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016.

Apparently, this was quietly introduced with significant implications. According to this, renovating existing buildings would hardly be worthwhile anymore...

I would check that first.

To my layman's understanding, you are not allowed to carry out structural changes without the approval of the property owner.

Sebastian79 schrieb:
I have HEARD that since 01.01.16 all renovations requiring a building permit / planning permission or structural changes must comply with the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016.

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That is not correct.

That would be good – although not so much for the source, since that was a building authority employee 😀

Anything you want to change on the outside, including the gate, requires unanimous approval from the community; interior changes do not. Therefore, it is best to avoid buying something where you absolutely must make changes, as this could lead to unpleasant surprises later on...

I had a similar thought in our town about a vacant supermarket on the edge of an industrial area.

Regarding the apartment building, I suspect there are, among other things, fire safety regulations if the supermarket is to be converted into a garage or workshop.

Olli