Not sure where to start when it comes to buying or owning a listed property? Start here

Britain proudly boasts an array of amazing properties which demonstrate an important part of our heritage. From converted Watermills and Windmills, to chocolate box cottages and proud city dwellings, you would be amazed as to how many listed properties there are out there, and available to purchase at all price ranges.

If you are thinking of buying a listed building or you already own one, your first port of call should be The Listed Property Owners Club. Established over 20 years ago, The Listed Property Owners Club is Britain’s only advice service dedicated to helping owners of listed buildings.

It’s a membership organisation with a particularly personal service – no call centre or scripted answers – just a small friendly team who deliver the sort of service, helpful advice and sometimes that little bit of reassurance that listed building owners need.

Did you know?

• There are 450,000 listed properties in the UK
• 92% are grade II listed
• 5.5% are grade II* listed

• 2.5% are grade I listed
• 38% of listed properties are domestic dwellings
• 15% of listed buildings are pre-1600

What is a listed property? In simple terms, a listed property is considered of special architectural or historic interest, the listing of which protects the whole of the building both inside and outside. Any owner has a duty to keep the building in good repair and in keeping with its historic background.

Most residential listed properties are considered as a ‘Grade II’ listing; however there are a few other gradings that apply to a small percentage of very special buildings:

Grade I - buildings of exceptional interest for example, Buckingham Palace.
Grade II* - buildings of particular importance/more than special interest for example, The Savoy Theatre, London.
Grade II - buildings of special interest that warrant every effort to preserve them.

How do I find out if a property is listed? Your local authority will be able to tell you if a property is listed. They will also confirm if the building is within a conservation area. Another option would be to call The Listed Property Owners Club or visit www.imagesofengland.org.uk.

How will owning a listed property affect me? Owning a listed property can be wonderful, and great pride can be taken in conserving a part of British heritage. Having a listing on your home does means there will be extra control over what changes can be made to a building's exterior and interior, therefore if you wish to make a particular change you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent (LBC) for most types of work that affect the 'special architectural or historic interest' of the building. The Listed Property Owners Club are there to help advise you on what changes you can and can’t make.

How do I make changes to my property? If you wish to alter, extend or in some extreme cases, demolish, your building in any way which affects the character or setting, you must contact the conservation officer at your local district council for Listed Building Consent (LBC). LBC is similar to planning permission although no fees are payable. Again, The Listed Property Owners Club can help and advise along the process to make things that little bit easier for you.

Which works need Listed Building Consent?
Below is a list of works that will generally need consent. Please check before you apply:

• Covering exposed brickwork with paint or plaster
• Replacing windows and doors
• Fitting roof-lights or dormer windows
• Installing satellite dishes, aerials and burglar alarms that are physically attached to the building
• Creating new doorways

• Removing or altering fireplaces, panelling or staircases
• Removing external surfaces
• Altering the roofing materials currently used 
• Moving/removing internal walls

How do I find a Listed Building to buy?
The Listed Property Owners Club website has a number of beautiful and interesting listed properties for sale from all over Britain. Please visit www.lpoc.co.uk for more details.

If you are thinking of buying a listed property, you can download a copy of The Listed Property Owners Club free “Guide to Owning or Buying a Listed Building” at www.lpoc.co.uk or call 01795 844939. You will also find membership details on their website.

Don’t forget, The Listed Property Owners Club is there to help and advise you on any aspect of owning a listed property. Visit www.lpoc.co.uk, or ring 01795 844939. Alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.