Should i buy a listed property

This means that if you buy a listed property and want to alter it you must first ,before doing anything, get permission from the Local Authority and this can include such things as putting up a satellite dish, something we all take for granted nowadays. You may also have to look at specialist insurance as obviously the cost of re-building a listed building will be significantly more than if it was not listed.

If you are thinking of buying a property that is listed, first find out the reasons why by looking at the National Heritage website. Check also that any previous changes to the property have been authorised. You should find out if any specific part of the property is mentioned in the listing as well as what obligations and restrictions are in place. This information is freely available online from the English Heritage database.

More information on individual listed buildings can also be found on the planning section of the relevant local authority website. Some local authorities provide access through the Heritage Gateway. Ideally, you will have reviewed the English Heritage official listing before viewing the property.

This way you can ask the owner any relevant questions at the earliest possible stage. Buying a listed property does not necessarily mean that you won't be able to modify it. As a rule of thumb, it is usually easier to get consent to extend a listed property, than to remove part of it. If you do plan to make alterations you should prepare yourself for significant added bureaucracy, cost and time when seeking consent.

Typically any alterations will need to be carried out in the same or similar materials. How far these requirements go can be at the individual whim of the planning officer. Like this? Share it Facebook LinkedIn Twitter. Email Address. Confirm Password. Stay signed in for two weeks.

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