Listed Buildings: Five common issues you should know about before you buy

With their unique charm and character, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of owning one of Britain’s 376,000 listed buildings. Noted for having particular historic value to the local, regional or national landscape, the National Heritage list of protected buildings includes everything from quaint, rural cottages to sweeping country estates and everything in between.

Although they might be highly desirable, historic buildings also require a high level of maintenance. They are rarely found in a perfect condition and demand expensive preservation and repair work almost constantly. If you have your heart set on owning and living in a treasured piece of British history, here are five of the most likely problems you should prepare for.

Everyday wear and tear

When you’re looking at property that has been standing for generations, it’s only to be expected that you’ll find some worn-out fixtures and décor that has seen better days. Older homes should be regularly inspected for signs of damage, particularly where features are both decorative and functional, such as damaged roof tiles or cracking render.

Historic England advocates conservation and preservation wherever possible, as maintaining existing materials is usually much easier, cheaper and effective than sourcing original period materials to make repairs. Where remedial work is required to keep a listed building looking its best, homeowners will be required to preserve the character of the property. This means using authentic materials and techniques or using the most comparable modern equivalent – grants may be awarded to help you do this.

Timber decay

An original timber frame is one of the most sought-after features in those looking for a historic home and it’s easy to see why. The natural warmth and imperfections in timber beams tell a unique story that is impossible to achieve in a new-build property. However, original woodwork can often succumb to damp, rot and distortion, particularly if it is not properly taken care of.

When you have a property survey carried out, look for any notes about the condition of the structural timbers in case they need urgent care – the most vulnerable areas will be those hidden between floors and behind render. If you can identify softness or bowing in floorboards, window frames or structural timbers without the help of a professional, you may be better off arranging a specific defect analysis to uncover the extent of the damage.

Damp problems

Another major concern with listed property is the presence of damp, although luckily this can often be remedied with relative ease. If considerable levels of damp have been discovered by a surveyor, it’s likely to be attributed to one of three causes; condensation, penetrative damp and structural damp.

Condensation can usually address by reducing the moisture inside the property. For example, ensuring that tumble-driers have a vent leading to the outside and using an extractor fan while cooking.

Penetrative damp will typically be caused by an exterior defect that is allowing rainwater to get inside. Look for (and repair) broken roof tiles, cracked render, blocked gutters and damaged window casings for issues that may be causing or exacerbating the problem.

Finally, structural damp (also known as “rising damp”) is usually caused by a damaged (or non-existent) damp-proof course in the foundations of the building. Check whether any external landscaping could be breaching the damp-proof course and allowing ground moisture to creep into the masonry.

Insulation issues

Listed buildings are often so charming and impressive thanks to their period features and unusual construction techniques that make them so different from homes being built today. Unfortunately, the differences aren’t just superficial; modern homes will nearly always feature much more energy-efficient insulation methods than those in a historic property, if the older building features any at all.

Historic materials don’t mix well with modern insulation, so to boost the energy-efficiency of a listed building, it’s not as simple as adding a layer of wool into the loft or in the cavity of a suspended floor. Wall insulation prevents the house from “breathing” (which causes damp) and installing double-glazing will have to be considered on a pane-by-pane basis, depending on if the windows contribute to the building’s historic interest. If you want to make any changes you will need to speak to a specialist surveyor or your Conservation Officer for guidance.

Unauthorised alterations

As outlined above, owners of listed buildings have a legal obligation to maintain the integrity and character of their property. If any changes are required, explicit consent and direction will need to be obtained from the local Conservation Officer, or else homeowners can face severe penalties that include fines and imprisonment.

There’s no time limit on the liability for these unauthorised changes and if previous owners of a listed building have made modifications without consent, you, as the current owner, will be held responsible. It’s therefore essential that your surveyor and solicitor investigate any changes to the property before you complete your purchase to make sure that they have been carried out legally.

It’s undeniable that listed buildings come with a whole host of possible defects and important considerations. However, if you’ve read this far then the chances are that you’re already committed to living in one of these beautiful and unique pieces of history. Just remember to trust your instincts, invest in professional advice and prepare to give your home plenty of TLC.

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

small house bird box
Breaking News

UK First Time Buyers better off than many other global nations

Is it really that bad being a first-time buyer? UK better off than many other global nations when it comes to affordability The latest market analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agents, reveals that first-time buyers (FTBs) in the UK may be paying 63% more to get a foot on the property ladder than they…
Read More
new build homes colchester essex
Breaking News

Building Safety Regulator Reform

The Government has announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, including leadership, process and investment. The changes are hoped to deliver 1.5 million homes. The reforms pave the way for creation of a single construction safety regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower enquiry. David Smith, property litigation partner at London law firm Spector Constant…
Read More
Breaking News

New anti-money laundering rules now in effect: what landlords need to know

New anti-money laundering (AML) rules came into effect this month, marking a significant change for landlords and the lettings industry as a whole. The new rules mean financial sanctions checks are now required for all lettings, regardless of how much rent is charged. Here, Steve Bond, managing director of residential lettings for Beresfords, explains what…
Read More
Breaking News

What landlords need to know about the upcoming Renters Rights Bill

The government’s long-awaited Renters Rights Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in decades. While it has not yet received royal assent, the legislation is expected to come into effect late this year, or early in 2026. With the bill moving closer to becoming law, Steven Bond, managing director…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals bounce back in May

The latest figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for May sat at 63,032 up 3.9% from 60,656 in April. The monthly increase seen in May marks the end of four months of previous decline, with approval levels having fallen each month since January of this year. Approvals are also 2.5% higher than…
Read More
Breaking News

Money and Credit – May 2025

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased by £2.8 billion to £2.1 billion in May, following a large decrease in net borrowing of £13.8 billion to -£0.8 billion in April. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 2,400 to 63,000 in May. Approvals for remortgaging also increased by 6,200 to 41,500…
Read More