Grade 2 Listed House

[barb1314]

Hi,thinking of buying a cottage which is Grade 2 listed.Does anyone have a rough idea of the restrictions involved in this,in terms of alterations.Just a rough idea...obviously my solicitor will fill me in in more detail.Thanks in advance.Barb

[raysparx]

Grade 2 listing isn't as bad as a grade1, I think with a grade 2 you have to keep the appearance as it is,but you can renovate I think they are a bit stricter with the exterior than they are with interior

[buildersmate]

I'm not so sure this is right. All Listed Buildings, 1, 2*, 2 all require listed building consent for changes that affect the character of internal or external features. It means that if you want to alter it, you will probably have to use similar materials to the original - which often means hand-made - which often means more expensive. On the inside, this is likely to impact wooden and plaster feature components inside, as well as electrical. Your solicitor may give you general adfvice about the constrainsts but if you are seriously thinking of buying it to modify you might have to consider engaging the services of an architect for advice. BEFORE you buy.

[jake-the-peg]

I have a grade two listed house.

You cannot make any alterations without planning permission and premission of the historic buildings officer at your local council.

These alterations have to be sympathetic to the building. If they are not then you will just be told no. If you do it anyway you can be fined and made to put the changes back.

I would strongly urge you not to buy a listed building with the intention of making major changes.

This is the website of SPAB the society for the protection of historic buildings

http://www.spab.org.uk/

If you look at the Q&A section you'll find an article "look before you leap" with advice on buying an old property and if you scroll down an article "What is listing"

But if you fall in love with it and and it and are prepared to be flexible owning a historic house can be very rewarding.

The main thing is not to move in and try to make it into a modern house inside with an old interior. It's more like a marriage you and the house both have to make compromises and learn to live together

[raysparx]

well said jake,must be a love/hate relationship!!!

[barb1314]

Thanks so much to all of you for answering.I have no intention of making changes towards modern style...I love all things old and original.I just was interested in what it restricted me to and I sort of knew...just needed confirmation.I live in a conservation area at the moment and that's caused no problems.The house has been restored quite recently and has kept all it's old bits...stripped floors.old style latch cottage doors etc.I think I have fallen in love....my house now was built in 1750 so you see what my taste is.Thanks guys..you helped a lot.

[raysparx]

We lived in an old cottage for 22 years and loved every bit of it, I hope you are as happy in your new old home as we were, All the best for the future. Ray

[jake-the-peg]

That's good to hear.

Here are a few other websites you might find interesting:

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk

http://www.salvo.co.uk

http://www.oldhouseweb.com

http://www.dbrg.org.uk

http://www.oldhousestore.co.uk/

If it's thatched check out the NFU for insurance

Enjoy

[barb1314]

Wow thanks Jake...so much information to check out.You're a star...thanks so much.Barb x

[jb55]

I am in the process of buying a grade ll listed cottage. Although I doubt I will want to change anything, I do need to know more and it had crossed my mind to have a conservatory although not an essential.