June 11, 2016

TIPS FOR BUYING A LISTED PROPERTY

While many people love modern and contemporary houses (I am a convert!), most of us would prefer to own a house with more character and history. That is why listed properties continue to be popular choices with homebuyers. Heritage properties not only look fabulous, but they also have more personality and charm than modern houses. Many of them also come with period features such as fireplaces, high ceilings, and tiled floors. But before you go out and buy the period property of your dreams, there are some important things you need to know first. Use these tips to expand your knowledge to make sure this is the right option for you.

Learn about the grading system

Before you begin, you need to know the difference between the different grades that listed building can have. If a property is a grade I, it means that is has outstanding or national historical or architectural interest. Grade II* are listed buildings with significant regional interest and importance. Grade II relates to buildings that have a strong local interest and are often the most accessible type of listed properties. This grading system will vary slightly depending on which area of the UK you intend to buy a home in. The higher the grade, the more restrictions you will have when making alterations or adding to your new home. For further information on the grading system, visit the Listed property owners club website.

Know what limitations you might have

When you become a listed property homeowner, you will need to ask your local council for permission to make changes to your new home. This can come as a shock to many people who are not aware of this before they buy. As your home is of historical importance, the council will want to help you maintain it’s appearance and character. So whether you want to add an extension, widen your driveway or upgrade your bathroom, you need to gain permission first. You will also need to gain permission if you intend to replace any of the original features such as the sash windows or floorboards. Search for sash windows grade 2 listed buildings online to see what the process involves. The more you know about what limitations you might have the better.

Look for potential issues

When you view listed properties, remember to look for possible issues just like you would any other home. It can be easy to get distracted by the beauty of a listed property and overlook areas that need repairing and maintaining. Older homes do require more maintenance than modern building, and this is something you should factor into your budget. When making repairs, you may also be required to use costly specialist materials that are in keeping with the look of the property. So keep an eye out for problems that could surface in future and whether you are equipped to deal with them sufficiently.

Living in a listed property can be a dream come true if you’re interested in vintage fashion or history. If you’re still eager to find the perfect listed property Real Estate apps or visit your local estate agents for more information.