Listed properties - What do I need to know?

Have you found the home of your dreams, but are concerned that it is a listed property? Purchasing a listed property can come with a number of different requirements and considerations to take into account that purchasing a property that is not listed simply does not have. However, this shouldn’t mean you have to let your dream house pass you by.

What is a listed Property?

Most importantly, what is a listed property?

A Listed property is a building or structure that is seen to be of national importance. If they are deemed to meet these requirements then they will be placed on a special register known as the List of Buildings Of Special Architectural or Historical Interest. If a property is listed then this will cover a number of different aspects of the property from the surrounding areas, interior and exterior.

Properties are given this status to ensure they are protected and to reduce damage coming to them by having these requirements for maintaining and looking after them in place.

There are different grades for listed properties that help to determine a number of factors.

How to know if your property is listed?

If you have any confusion on if your property or the property you are looking to purchase is listed then you can contact your local authorities planning department and they will be able to inform you of the information regarding the property. You can also go to your local reference library where there is a database on your local area and the information can be obtained from this. It is common for properties that are built prior to 1840, these are likely to be listed. If you are still not able to locate this information you can find it by using the listed building search- this carries out a search online to find you the definitive answer.

What do the different listed property grades mean?

There are different grades a listed property can receive and these categories help to determine the importance or impact of the property, taking into consideration the design and structure.

Grade I

A Grade I listed property is classified as a building that is of exceptional historical/architectural significance. This is very rare for properties to be classed as Grade I listed with only 2.5% of Listed properties falling into this category. Most of the properties that fall into this category are non-residential buildings.

Grade II

Most listed properties are likely to fall into this category with both residential and commercial properties included.

Grade II*

Like Grade I, this grade is rare, with only 5.5% of listed buildings within this category. To be classified this way a building must be seen as being of special historical or architectural interests and significance.

What do I need to take into account before buying a listed property?

Unlike purchasing a property without the listed property status there are things to take into account. There are restrictions that can impact the work you can do to the property and being aware of these factors can help you make an informed decision.

If you buy a listed property it comes with an interesting historical significance, making it a unique and exciting opportunity to own a slice of history. Although it is very exciting it can come with a number of costs and factors to evaluate.

For example, if you want to make alterations or carry out certain/any renovations you will need to get formal permission before carrying out any work. Additionally, you may be faced with a ‘repairs notice’ which can be at any point requiring you to carry out works to restore or upkeep the property due to its historical importance and this will be at your own expense. There are some grants that can be accessed if you are eligible to cover these costs if you are finding it a financial burden. Taking into account the additional costs that will come with maintaining the property over the years is an important thing to take into account.

Living in a listed property is an exciting opportunity but considering your long-term happiness is important. Would you be happy living in the conditions of the property? This is important to consider as making changes is hard to guarantee if possible at all so could you be ok without making changes and renovations? If you are unsure this should be considered as it is not as simple as with a property that is not listed.

Making changes:

As previously stated a crucial part of owning a listed property is ensuring that you follow the conditions that come with this. This includes making changes to the property.

If you wish to make changes to the property’s structure or appearance then you will need to have Listed Building Consent.

This will need to be in place prior to any work being carried out and cannot be obtained after work has started or been completed. You can obtain this by contacting your local planning authority for consent. It is a criminal offence to make changes to any listed building without consent and can cause you to face prosecution.

For further information regarding this, your local authority planning office can guide you and be the best port of call for support and guidance.

What do you need to look out for before purchasing a listed property?

Before purchasing any property there are many things you need to check prior to going forward. In the case of buying a listed property, there are some specific areas to take note of. Arguably one of the most important areas is checking no non-approved work has been carried out by the previous owners. This is important to check ahead of time so that you can raise the issue and not face any repercussions when you are named owner of the property.

Due to the properties being old, the same things you would be looking out for in any other older property still are to take into consideration. This would include looking for dampness, signs of cracking or bulging walls.

Before purchasing the property it is highly advised that you have a survey carried out by a specialist in listed properties. This will show up any areas of concern and highlight concerns prior to finalising your purchase.

Buying a Listed Property comes with many considerations- but if you do decide to go forward with your purchase owning a slice of history is certainly a wonderful and exciting purchase

If you are ready to purchase your dream home, contact us today on 01225 962456.