Page 20 - April 2024

PROPERTY ADVICE

Listed buildings with this kind of importance appearance of properties is well-managed,
are carefully managed and protected by and building controls usually apply, meaning
Historic Environment Scotland, which has been that homeowners will need to seek planning
responsible for promoting and safeguarding permission to make adjustments to their homes. If you commit to owning a listed property, you might
Scotland’s built heritage since 2015. Among its need specialist insurance for the protection of your
many duties and responsibilities, it oversees If you’ve fallen in love with a home that has a
Scotland’s listed homes, keeping their heritage protected status, that are several things that home. A generic home insurance policy won’t take into
intact, and lists all of them on its website, you’ll need to consider prior to committing account the historical and architectural features your
making them searchable and visible for to purchase, as these properties are more
anybody interested. Homes with these statuses carefully monitored than your average home listed property might enjoy.
are very limited in the changes that can be and can sometimes come with additional
made, so they’re not an ideal choice for anyone unexpected expenses.
looking for a renovation project.
Firstly, it’s essential that your solicitor examines
Alongside these building categories, many the property’s details to ascertain that any
towns and villages, and sometimes even existing alterations have been approved by the specialises in listed buildings, as they will be incredibly limited to not only the materials
roads, are classed as conservation areas, which local authority. If this isn’t the case, you, as the adept at understanding the property’s condition that you choose, but the contractors you’re
come with their own rules and limitations for new owner, will become liable for correcting any and limitations and can give you a thorough permitted to use too. Local authorities often
the properties located there. For example, mistakes and restoring anything that doesn’t idea of what you’re taking on. A top-to-bottom have lists of approved specialist contractors for
Edinburgh has 50 conservation areas, from the meet the required standards. survey will advise on things like structure or listed buildings, and you will only be permitted
UNESCO World Heritage sites in the New and damp and assess any underlying issues with the to proceed if you hire one of these. Things
Old Towns, to much of Duddingston and the You should also arrange a specialist survey, as property. A solicitor estate agent can help you like replacing windows or roof alterations,
area around Trinity’s primary school and the the Home Report may not go into enough depth find an appropriate surveyor. therefore, might come in at a much higher cost
‘Dudleys’. In conservation areas, the external for this kind of property. Choose a surveyor that than for an average property.
If you love a property but know that you’d
want to make improvements or alterations to If you commit to owning a listed property,
it so that it suits your lifestyle, you’ll need to you might need specialist insurance for the
Fettes College check what’s doable with your local authority. protection of your home. A generic home
Each council area varies in its approach to insurance policy won’t take into account the
what is acceptable when renovating a building historical and architectural features your listed
of importance. You’ll need to alert the council property might enjoy, or indeed its internal
to plans for major works, such as extensions features, fixtures and fittings too, so it’s a good
or internal layout changes, but you might not idea to find a policy that is specifically tailored to
know that you’ll also need to tell them about your type of property, although this may incur a
minor alterations, like cleaning stonework or higher expenditure.
repainting a door. Many will remember the
furore surrounding the owner of a Georgian However, despite all of the responsibilities and
apartment in the New Town who painted her expenses that come with owning a listed home,
front door pink without alerting the council! it can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience
– safeguarding something of real historical
You’ll also need to consider the expense of importance is a role that many homeowners
maintaining such a precious property. When relish, and you’ll never be short of compliments
a listed building needs repair, the owner must on your beautiful, unique home.
make those repairs quickly to prevent further
damage and repair the issue to an exacting If your heart is set on owning an historic home,
standard. This means that you might have head to espc.com today and use our handy
a higher expenditure than you envisaged advanced search filters to find a home with the
for certain repairs, and you might also be style and character you’re dreaming of.
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