Homes that have a history can often have a lot more charm and character than a new build. And Kent is lucky enough to have several towns and villages where quaint old buildings have withstood the test of time. So it’s no wonder that people love the idea of living in an old building.
But buying a listed building isn’t quite as simple as you might think. Here are some things you should know before going ahead with buying a listed building.
You’ll need to request permission before making any changes to the property
Normally, if you own a property, you can do what you like to it (within reason). But listed properties are protected by their historic status, so before making any changes to the building, you’ll need the permission to do so.
It can be difficult to get permission, as often authorities are reluctant to see historic buildings changed too dramatically. If you have a grade II or grade I building, it will likely be even more difficult to make any changes to it.
You might be able to get a grant for any repairs that need to be made
Whilst with a normal property, any repairs fall under the owner’s responsibility, owners of listed properties are often able to apply for a grant, to help cover the cost of any repairs. This can take away some of the financial stress that can come with buying a listed property.
You might need specialist home insurance
When you apply for home insurance, one of the questions you’ll be asked is ‘is your property a listed property?’ And this is because you might need to get home insurance with a specialist provider. Whilst this isn’t always the case, it’s something you should be prepared for.
The main reason for this is that historic homes have a greater value than new builds, and insurance providers cover your rebuild cost. This might even mean you’ll need to pay a little more for cover.
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