The listed buildings register of listed properties

By Abode Insurance

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Listed buildings are structures that hold national significance for one or many reasons. The UK has over half a million listed properties, all of which you can find on the listed building list, or ‘register’ as it is otherwise known. The concept for the listed buildings register started in World War 2 and began to be compiled in 1947. The idea of the list initially was to determine buildings that, should they be damaged by bombings, needed to be rebuilt.

The listed buildings register has details of many types of buildings including places of worship, historic building and even wreck sites.

Grade II Listed Building in Derbyshire, on the listed building register

How do I find out if a property is listed?

If you’d like to search for a specific listed property you perhaps have an interest in buying, are interested in its grade listing (Grade I, Grade II etc), or would simply like to know more about the historic buildings in your local area, the list can be found and searched here Search the List – Find listed buildings, monuments, battlefields and more | Historic England. Historic England holds a wealth of information about the UK’s listed buildings.

Alternatively, if the building is in Scotland you can use Historic Environment Scotland | Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba and if the building is in Wales, Search Cadw records | Cadw (gov.wales ).

You can also search by postcode on British Listed Buildings.

Blenheim Palace is on the listed buildings register

How do you get a building listed?

To become a listed building and be included on the listed buildings register, a building will be judged by four specific criteria.

The rarity and age of the building will be assessed – rarer buildings tend to be older and are therefore more likely to be listed.

Did you know, anything built pre-1700 is automatically listed? These buildings are also protected under separate legislation. With that in mind, it’s safe to say most buildings built post WW2 are unlikely to be listed – any that are will possess particular architectural significance. Examples of this include the Lloyds of London Building, built between 1978 and 1986.

Another quality judged when becoming listed is a property’s aesthetics. Does the building retain the majority of its original features and construction materials and are these not commonly seen today? If so, the building may be listed and included on the listed buildings register.

When judging if a listed building fits the four criteria, the interest surrounding the property will be assessed. Did the house home an important person? A rather grand example of this is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. You can find more out about the Grade I listed property here BLENHEIM PALACE, Blenheim – 1052912 | Historic England

Anyone can nominate a building to be listed, however, the process can take a very long time. To learn more about the criteria and getting a building listed, view Historic England’s Guides here Listing Selection Guides | Historic England

What is a local heritage listing?

A local heritage listing signifies unique importance within that area. A local heritage listing can include not only buildings but monuments and even landscapes.

Unlike buildings on the listed buildings register, local heritage buildings do not have the same additional planning restrictions placed upon them as you would expect to find with a listed building. The unique heritage listing and the works’ impact on this will however be considered should a planning application be submitted.

What are nationally listed buildings?

Nationally listed buildings appear on the listed buildings register and hold national significance due to one or many parts of their construction.

The building itself and/or the history surrounding it is important to the nation and therefore the building needs protection.

Nationally listed buildings in England and Wales come in three categories. Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II. In Scotland, the categories are A, B and C.

To learn more about what a listed building is, please click here What is a listed building?

How long does listed building consent take to get?

If you plan to alter, add to, remove or demolish any part of a listed building, including curtilage listings, you must first apply for listed building consent.

Due to the complexity surrounding historic homes, submitting your application, through to gaining consent, is often not a quick process. From initial application to the planning authority to first contact back, can take upwards of eight weeks.

It’s worth first checking with your local authority conservation officer that consent is needed. In most cases, the answer will be yes, but if not, this step could save you a lot of time.

If in doubt, ask – it is after all a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised work on a listed building and you can be prosecuted as a result!

5 things to remember when buying a listed property

The home you are buying sits on the listed buildings register and is therefore seen to have national importance.
You’ll need consent to make changes to your home. The privilege of owning a listed property also means you are responsible for upkeep and changes in the original styles and materials.
Maintenance repairs and alterations may cost considerably more than when you own a home of standard construction. From specific, sometimes rare, materials to specialist tradespeople to work on your home, things will come at a higher premium.
In some cases help may be available. For example, Historic England run grant schemes. You can find out more about them here Our Grant Schemes | Historic England
Your home isn’t standard, so your home insurance shouldn’t be either. As with repairs and enlisting a specialist repairer, the same should be done for your home insurance. A comparison site or general broker may not fully understand the complexities and nuances that come with owning a historic, listed home. A specialist broker will know what to ask to ensure your home is properly insured.

Read our article Owning a listed property to learn more about the responsibilities that come with owning a listed home. Or, to learn more about the specialist cover we provide at Abode, please see our Listed Property Insurance for UK Homes page.

If you’d like free advice or would like to discuss an insurance policy, please call us on 01622 476 433

Live with character. Insure with confidence.

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Abode is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.