Moving into a listed property

Full of character and charm, old buildings represent everything quintessentially English through their traditional architecture and rich history. From thatched cottages to period buildings, it’s important for homebuyers to know whether their dream home is listed, so they can carefully consider any constraints involved with ownership.

If you are considering moving into a listed building, this article will provide you with a detailed guide to ensure you are fully informed on any implications and responsibilities prior to purchasing the property.

What is a listed building?

Based on their unique architecture and historical interest, certain buildings are listed so they can be protected for future generations. As a general rule of thumb, the older a building is and as near to its original condition it is in, the more likely it is to be listed. As such, all buildings built before 1700, and most constructed between 1700-1840, have been listed and divided into the following categories based on their importance, structure and design:

Grade I – buildings of exceptional interest

Grade II* – buildings of special interest (these make up approximately 5.5% of listed buildings)

Grade II – other buildings of special interest (these make up the vast majority of listings)

How do I know if my building is listed?

If you are looking to move into an older property but are not sure whether it is listed, you will need to contact your local authority/council which can be easily located via the Directgov website. Alternatively, you can go on the Historic England website to search for any listed buildings in your area.

Are listed building consent and planning permission the same thing?

Whilst most homeowners are familiar with planning permission, when it comes to listed properties many assume that listed building consent is the same; this is not the case. In actual fact, they are two separate processes in which both may be required in some cases, while sometimes only one, or neither, is needed.

It’s worth noting that a breach of listed building consent is a criminal offence. As such, when buying a listed building you must make sure the vendor provides you with evidence that any projects carried out on the interior or exterior of the property have had planning permission and/or listed building consent.

For further information about planning permission and listed building consent, make sure you take a look at the planning guidance advised by the government.  

How do I prepare to move into a listed property?

When moving into a listed property, all aspects of the move must be handled with the utmost care so as to not cause any damage to the building. As such, you should enlist the expertise of a professional removals firm who have the skills to take care of as much of the move as you wish, ensuring the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Harradines

Here at Harradines, we have specialised in home removals for over 40 years. With a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, we will go the extra mile to take the stress and strain out of moving day. All of our services are tailor-made to suit your exact needs, as we offer:

For further information about any of our services or to receive a free, highly competitive quote, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.