How to buy a listed building

Grade I listed buildings are of exceptional interest and sometimes of international importance. Just 2.5% of listed buildings have Grade I status.

Grade II* listed buildings are considered particularly important and of more than special interest. Grade II* status has been granted to 5.5% of listed buildings.

Grade II listed buildings are nationally important and of special interest, and 92% of listed buildings have Grade II status.

1) Consult a conservation officer
If your home is listed, you must consult the conservation officer at your local council before making changes that might alter its character. They will tell you whether Listed Building Consent is required. Common works needing consent including the replacement of windows and doors, knocking down internal walls, altering any fireplaces or painting over brickwork. Unlike other planning controls, applying for listed building consent is free.

2) Contact your local authority
Detailed drawings will need to be supplied to the council, along with information about your proposal - your local authority will provide you with a form to fill in. You stand a better chance of gaining approval if plans are drawn up by a chartered surveyor or architect who has experience of working with listed buildings.

3) Make sure you get permission
The planning authority can insist that any work undertaken without permission is reversed, and you may even be prosecuted. Although you can apply retrospectively after the work has been done, you run the risk of it being rejected for reasons that could have been easily resolved at the planning stage.

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