Listed Property

What is a Listed Building?

There are approximately 372,905 listed building entries in England. There are 3 listing designations:-

Grade I - Accounts for approximately 2.5% of listed property. It includes buildings of exceptional interest.

Grade II^* - Accounts for approximately 5.5% of listed buildings. It includes buildings of more than special interest.

Grade II - Accounts for approximately 92% of listed buildings. It includes buildings considered to be of national importance.

What are the consequences of of owning a Listed building?

Changes to the internal or external fabric of a Listed building (including structures within the grounds) may require Listed Building Consent. If the changes are on a 'like-for-like' basis only, consent may not be required. There are no hard and fast rules. You should, before undertaking any works, meet with the Local Conservation Officer and discuss what will need formal consent.

Making alterations without consent may lead to criminal prosecution with penalties including imprisonment, fines and orders to reverse the work carried out.

Alterations requiring Listed Building Consent may be exempt from VAT.

Are there grants available?

In exceptional cases, grants may be available from English Heritage. Buildings are considered on their individual merits but you are unlikely to get a grant from anything other than Grade I or Grade II* Listed property.

On a final note...

Before purchasing a Listed Building you should ontain your own survey. Martin and Mortimer has a long history of surveying and valuing period houses. It is important that your chosen surveyor knows what he/she is looking at and that they are conversant with the use of building materials at the time the property was constructed. The use of modern materials on a period property can lead to problems.

We have access to a photograph and the Listing record of every listed property in the region.

Have a question? Email us