BUYING A LISTED BUILDING

Choosing a listed property can bring complications you hadn't anticipated. Our homes expert reveals what she's learned after buying a Grade II-listed cottage

- SARAH WARWICK

I've lived in a number of different homes now, but I’ve chosen each one for practical reasons — with one exception. The home I chose with my heart rather than my head was a Grade II-listed cottage in need of renovation.

It still had plenty of the usual benefits like a great location, good transport links and proximity to family, but in falling in love with the property I set aside thoughts about the extra complications that arise with a listed building.

I have no regrets about the purchase, but it was a steep learning curve for me and if I'd been a bit more savvy beforehand I could have planned and budgeted much better. What should I have known? That's what I'm sharing here, so you can prepare yourself if you're considering buying a listed building.

1 LISTED BUILDINGS NEED EXTRA PERMISSION

Buy a listed building and you require additional permission on top of planning permission and Building Regulations approval for work on your home. ‘If a house is listed, check which category of listing,’ advises Bristol buying agent Lili Oliver at Oliver Roth. ‘Any works that affect the character of a listed building require Listed Building Consent. This applies to exterior and interior changes, as well as to extensions and additions.’

But while I knew about Listed Building Consent, what I came to realise is that it’s important to find out from the local authority what will need consent before applying if you want to make the process of renovation smoother.

2 INSULATING WINDOWS IS COMPLICATED