Our guide to listed properties

Why is a listed building awarded a Grade?

A historically significant structure goes through a process of classification before being listed under different Grades on a sliding scale of historical significance.

• Grade I listed buildings are of ‘exceptional special interest’. Subject to the strictest scrutiny, they account for 2.5% of listed buildings and include things like grand monuments and palaces.
  
  
• Grade II* listed buildings are ‘particularly important’ buildings that are elevated above those classed as ‘special interest’ (below). These constitute around 5.8% of the total list and are subject to slightly more scrupulous planning rules than Grade II.
  
  
• Grade II listed buildings are of ‘special interest’. Accounting for 91.7%, these make up the most likely Grade of listing for residential home owners.

Planning rules are slightly more flexible around Grade II buildings, but other than simple decoration and upkeep, no substantial alterations can be done to a Grade II property without approval from your local conservation planning department.

What is it like to live in a listed building?

It’s likely to be highly individual and unlike other properties on the market. Usually, listed properties are within conservation areas in sought-after locations, so they’re likely to hold their value or increase in value.

Clerkenwell Sales Branch Director Jonathan Clews well understands the appeal of listed buildings, a wealth of which are in EC1. ‘Buyers really love to feel personally invested in the history of their homes,’ he explains. ‘I think there is a sense of being a custodian of history as much as a homeowner when buying a listed building.’

What is the criteria for a building to be listed?

Buildings built before 1700, and those that date from 1700 to 1850 are likely to be listed. Anything built after 1945 goes through particularly careful selection. And buildings less than 30 years old are not considered to be of special historical interest.

London’s listed buildings

It’s not just picture-perfect Tudor cottages that come with listed status. From palaces and parks to tombstones and telephone boxes – the variety of listed structures is vast.

Listed status applies to a myriad of London’s residential stock - from a 19^th century townhouse in Kennington to a warehouse loft conversion in Clerkenwell.

‘Clerkenwell is known as being the workshop of central London in the early 20^th century and the birthplace of British social housing,’ says Jonathan. ‘The Grade II* listed Spa Green Estate where architect Berthold Lubetkin set out to create the first modernist social housing project in Britain is recognised by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and very popular with the local design community.’

Clerkenwell is notable too for its desirable warehouse conversions. ‘Take the Grade II listed 201 St John Street,’ says Jonathan. ‘It was a pre-War gin distillery and is now home to stylish apartments. We also have the renowned Grade II listed Barbican Centre – a modernist complex that has rarely been bettered.’

What you can’t do to a listed building

Listed status means there will be extra control over what alterations you can make. If you want to make changes, you must apply for written consent. In all instances, if permission is granted, make sure you consult a specialist in preservation to carry out the work.

• Restructuring or remodelling: If you’re planning to change the layout, remove walls, rebuild internal features like a fireplace, or add an extension, you’ll need Listed Building Consent.
  
  
• Replacing windows and doors: Permission is needed, but planning officers will let you reglaze or replace windows and doors on a listed building if they preserve its character.
  
  
• Replacing a roof: It’s likely that renewing a roof on an older property will need special consent, especially if your changes involve altering the existing covering or structure.
  
  
• Heat pumps and solar panels: Historic England has given the green light for solar panels and heat pumps to be installed on listed buildings, subject to Listed Building Consent.

What you can do to a listed building

If you’re replacing like for like materials when carrying out repairs and maintenance, you may be able to avoid getting written consent.

However, it’s best to get advice from your local authority before ploughing ahead.

• Wiring and plumbing: You may not need consent If you want to replace heating, plumbing or the electrics, providing the work doesn’t damage the historic fabric of the property.
  
  
• Kitchens and bathrooms: As long as you don’t drastically alter the plumbing, you may be able to install a new kitchen or bathroom.
  
  
• Internal redecoration: Decorative alterations like painting and hanging pictures is permitted. If you’re restoring plasterwork, panelling or decorative features, seek the services of a conservation specialist.
  
  
• External painting: As this will weatherproof your house, external painting is normally permitted. Some conservation areas have rules about colours you can use, so check first.