Owning a house with a rich historical background can be a source of pride and fascination. However, it’s crucial to understand whether your house is listed, as it carries significant implications for your property.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking whether your house is listed and provide valuable insights into what it means for your property.
Is My House Listed?
This Historic England website will tell you whether your house is listed. The details of the listing will give you some information about the house and a description of the particulars that are of Historic Interest. Most buildings built between 1700 & 1850 are Listed. Many fewer are Listed after 1945 and very few in the last 30 years.
Search the website below to see if your house is listed.
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/
What Do The Listed Building Gradings Mean?
Many people will say “oh my house is only group listed”, “that means just the outside” It’s Grade 2, not Grade 2*. There are 3 grades of listing:
- Grade I buildings are of “exceptional interest” and represent 2.5% of Listed Buildings
- Grade II* buildings “are particularly important of more than special interest” and represent 5.8% of Listed buildings
- Grade II buildings “are of special interest”, if your house is listed it is probably Grade II
Remember though, inside or out, Listed is Listed. It is a Criminal offence to make changes to a Listed Building without Consent from the Local Authority for ANY Grade.
My House Is Listed, What Does This Mean?
“Listing allows us to highlight what is significant about a building or site and helps to make sure that any future changes to it do not result in the loss of its significance.”
Listed Buildings are considered nationally important and have legal protection. If the house is listed, the whole “curtilage” of the property is listed, internally and externally and within the boundaries of the property land attached to it and any pre-1948 buildings on it. Any alterations except for maintenance and decoration will require Listed Building Consent.
My House Is Listed, Can I Change Anything?
Many listed buildings are full of character and charm. It comes as no surprise that they are attractive to buy and live in. However, their status doesn’t mean they need to be preserved in a museum! Even museums can be altered.
Alterations, refurbishment, and extensions can take place, but when being considered by the Local Authority they will pay attention to the features that make it special. Usually, these are obvious but in a smaller building where little is preserved but the layout of rooms, the staircase and the original doors, it is likely that these will need to be retained.
How Can An Architect Help Me With My Listed House?
When it comes to making changes to a listed house, navigating the intricate guidelines and regulations can be a daunting task. This is where the expertise of architects becomes invaluable.
At Ungar Architects, we can help you develop creative solutions, propose sensitive designs, and navigate the complex planning process. We’ll help to give you the best chance of successfully achieving your vision for your listed property. Book your free consultation with us today!
