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Can I get a permanent address registration in a property registered as an Atelier?

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Carol_S
Joined:
27.09.2023
Posts: 2217
Topic Starter
08.01.2025 03:43
Hey everyone, I'm currently looking at buying a small loft space that is officially zoned and registered as an 'atelier' (artist studio) rather than a standard residential apartment. The price is much more reasonable, but I'm really confused about the legalities regarding residency. Does anyone know if it's actually possible to get a permanent legal address and register my residency in a property with this commercial or studio classification? I don't want to run into issues with utility bills, taxes, or official mail later on if the city doesn't recognize it as a primary home.
10 replies in this topic
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demian_l
Joined:
26.05.2022
Posts: 1761
13.01.2025 07:03
Generally speaking, it depends heavily on the local municipality regulations. In some cities they strictly forbid residency in commercial or studio zones, while others turn a blind eye as long as taxes are paid.
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Eugene_D
Joined:
18.09.2021
Posts: 2223
16.01.2025 17:10
In reply to a previous post
Be very careful! My friend bought an atelier and the local authorities eventually found out. He couldn't register his official address there and had to rent a small room elsewhere just to have a legal domicile.
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agata_k
Joined:
20.11.2022
Posts: 1109
07.03.2025 01:51
In reply to a previous post
Check the utility contracts too. Commercial properties often have a completely different tariff structure for electricity and water, which can end up being much more expensive than residential rates.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
27.11.2020
Posts: 714
08.05.2025 18:34
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for sharing this, I was actually wondering about the utility bills myself.
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Yana_P
Joined:
30.04.2023
Posts: 1009
27.07.2025 14:02
Honestly, banks usually won't give you a standard residential mortgage for an atelier either. You might need a commercial loan, which usually requires a higher down payment and has higher interest rates.
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SimpleMan
Joined:
25.03.2023
Posts: 778
05.10.2025 01:14
In reply to a previous post
That's a very good point about the mortgage. Nobody talks about how hard it is to finance these spaces.
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new_here
Joined:
17.01.2021
Posts: 1768
21.10.2025 23:18
In reply to a previous post
It all comes down to the building permit. If the original permit allows mixed use or live-work space, you might have a chance, but if it's purely commercial, run away.
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Nico_N
Joined:
16.05.2021
Posts: 1135
03.01.2026 23:03
In my city, a lot of artists live in their ateliers illegally. The police don't raid the place, but you can never officially register your ID card there.
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Yana_P
Joined:
15.04.2021
Posts: 390
08.01.2026 01:07
In reply to a previous post
I wouldn't risk it. Not being able to receive official mail or register your car can turn into a bureaucratic nightmare.
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Milos_S
Joined:
30.03.2025
Posts: 2347
28.01.2026 08:45
In reply to a previous post
Talk to a local real estate lawyer before putting down any deposit. They can check the land registry and tell you straight away if residency is legally permitted.

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