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PROPERTY ADVICE
history You should arrange a you hire one of these. Things like replacing
A home with

windows or roof alterations, therefore, might
come in at a much higher cost than for an
specialist survey, as the
Home Report may not go average property.
If you commit to owning a listed property,
into enough depth for this you might need specialist insurance for the
kind of property. protection of your home. A generic home
insurance policy won’t take into account the
historical and architectural features your listed
property might enjoy, or indeed its internal
features, fixtures and fittings too, so it’s a good
idea to find a policy that is specifically tailored
to your type of property, although this may
incur a higher expenditure.
Alesya Avs/Shutterstock.com If you love a property but know that you’d However, despite all of the responsibilities and

expenses that come with owning a listed home,
want to make improvements or alterations to
it can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience
it so that it suits your lifestyle, you’ll need to
Thinking of buying a home with protected status? check what’s doable with your local authority. – safeguarding something of real historical
Here’s everything you need to know. Each council area varies in its approach to importance is a role that many homeowners
what is acceptable when renovating a building relish, and you’ll never be short of compliments
of importance. You’ll need to alert the council on your beautiful, unique home.
to plans for major works, such as extensions
longside these building categories, and can sometimes come with additional
many towns and villages, and sometimes unexpected expenses. or internal layout changes, but you might not If your heart is set on owning an historic home,
A even roads, are classed as conservation know that you’ll also need to tell them about head to espc.com today and use our handy
areas, which come with their own rules and Firstly, it’s essential that your solicitor minor alterations, like cleaning stonework or advanced search filters to find a home with the
limitations for the properties located there. For examines the property’s details to ascertain repainting a door. Many will remember the style and character you’re dreaming of.
example, Edinburgh has 50 conservation areas, that any existing alterations have been furore surrounding the owner of a Georgian
from the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the approved by the local authority. If this apartment in the New Town who painted her
New and Old Towns, to much of Duddingston isn’t the case, you, as the new owner, will front door pink without alerting the council!
and the area around Trinity’s primary school and become liable for correcting any mistakes
the ‘Dudleys’. In conservation areas, the and restoring anything that doesn’t meet You’ll also need to consider the expense of
external appearance of properties is well- the required standards. maintaining such a precious property. When
managed, and building controls usually apply, a listed building needs repair, the owner must
meaning that homeowners will need to seek You should also arrange a specialist survey, make those repairs quickly to prevent further
as the Home Report may not go into enough damage and repair the issue to an exacting
planning permission to make adjustments to standard. This means that you might have a
their homes. depth for this kind of property. Choose a
surveyor that specialises in listed buildings, higher expenditure than you envisaged for
as they will be adept at understanding the certain repairs, and you might also be incredibly
If you’ve fallen in love with a home that has a property’s condition and limitations and can limited to not only the materials that you
protected status, there are several things that give you a thorough idea of what you’re choose, but the contractors you’re permitted
you’ll need to consider prior to committing taking on. A top-to-bottom survey will advise to use too. Local authorities often have lists
to purchase, as these properties are more on things like structure or damp and assess of approved contractors for listed buildings,
carefully monitored than your average home any underlying issues with the property. and you will only be permitted to proceed if

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