LIVING WITH HISTORY

Listed properties are full of historic and period charm, but what do you really need to know when buying one?

- Alisha Davis

When a building is listed, it means that it belongs on the national register of buildings with architectural or historical importance. As a result, the property is protected both inside and out along with any structures attached to it, including outbuildings, garden walls and in some cases even garden statues.

You’ll find that there are three types of listed buildings: a Grade I building is the most protected structure and considered to be of exceptional interest. An example of a Grade I listed building is Heaton Hall, a neoclassical 18th-century country house located in Manchester’s Heaton Park. Only two per cent of all listed structures come into this category, so they’re incredibly rare to be available to purchase. Grade II* listed status indicates a structure of more than just local interest, and Grade II listing, the majority at 94 per cent, means the place is of ‘special architectural or historic interest’.