Buying a listed house

It is wise to be well informed when purchasing a listed home. We reveal the upsides and downsides to heritage properties

FIND a picture-perfect house on the market and the chances are that it might come with a listing. This means it’s a building that has been judged to be important in terms of architectural or historic interest. Buying such a home brings with it the responsibility of owning a piece of history – it’s a reality for nearly half a million UK homeowners. ‘Just be aware that whatever the grade, the whole building is listed inside and out,’ advises surveyor Tom Scott of property consultant Woodforde Scott.

IS IT WORTH BUYING A LISTED HOME?

As a result of limitations on alterations, listed homes will never compare to new builds when it comes to preventing heat loss. However, steps can be taken to lessen the impact, including installing ground source heat pumps. ‘The fact that most listed buildings have stood the test of time proves that materials have lasted,’ says Dawn Carritt of Jackson-Stops. ‘There is no reason they will not last for centuries to come, unlike many homes built in the mid-20th century.’

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?

Owning a listed property involves looking after a part of Britain’s heritage – they are often buildings that enhance the overall aesthetic of an area. As custodians, owners take pride in looking after these historic buildings. However, one of the downsides is maintenance, which was made more expensive in 2012 when the government removed the zero-rate VAT for repairs to listed buildings. Bear in mind that the local authority can serve a repairs notice if they think the building isn’t being conserved. This can result in a compulsory purchase order for non-compliance.

WHAT DO THE GRADES MEAN?