What is a Listed Building?
At Higos, we understand your Listed Building is entirely unique. With cultural, architectural and historical importance to consider, we know your insurance needs becomes even more individual and specialist.
What is a Listed Building?
A Listed Building is a building or structure that’s been recognised for having a distinct, architectural, cultural or historical interest which should be preserved and protected. The building or structure will be listed in the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
What’s the criteria for a Listed Building?
For a building to be included in the list, it must be an older structure that’s been man-made and survived most of its original condition. Most buildings built before 1700 are most likely listed. If a building has been built between 1700 and 1840 they're most likely a Listed Building, however they will have gone through a more selective process to be considered. Buildings that have been built between 1840 and 1914 are more carefully selected and will need certain character and qualities to be listed. Newer buildings need to be at least 30 years old to be considered listed, they will also need to be exceptionally important with rigorous selection.
How are Listed Buildings graded?
Grade 1 structures are buildings of exceptional interest and often iconic. Examples would include, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.
Grade 2* properties are classed as buildings of more than special interest warranting every effort to preserve it. Examples could include stately homes, town halls and theatres.
Grade 2 structures are the most common and distinguished as having something of special interest that should be preserved. As most Listed Buildings are featured in this class it is the most likely listing for homeowners but can include many types of different structures from residential homes to bridges or churches.
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England: Historic properties and heritage sites are protected by Historic England and are graded as: Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 2*.
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Wales: Historic buildings, structures and heritage sites are protected by Cadw and they are categorised in the same way: Grade 1, Grade 2* and Grade 2.
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Scotland: Similar properties and sites are looked after by the Historic Environment Scotland. Their grading system is slightly different, properties will either be Category A, B or C.
How do I find out if a property is already listed?
To find out if your property is listed search the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) search The List.
Can I alter a Listed Building?
A Listed Building needs special permission from the local planning authority if they wish to extend, alter or demolish any part of the Building, where any of these changes may affect the character or setting. You can check www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find out who is responsible for your Listed Building.
Listed Building maintenance.
Special care and attention must be taken to maintain a Listed Building to avoid deterioration. If not regularly maintained woodwork, gutters, metalwork, ventilation, moss, plants and roofs can cause serious deterioration and can be costly to repair.
As no two Listed Buildings have the same restrictions and regulations, before any repair or maintenance work is carried out, it’s advised to check whether Listed Building Consent is required.
Insurance for Listed Buildings
At Higos, we understand that every Listed Building is unique and there’s nothing we love more than finding you the right insurance for your property. That’s why we’ve built a friendly, expert Listed Buildings insurance team to provide bespoke, specialist insurance cover, specifically tailored for Listed Buildings.
If the unexpected should happen, we have a friendly in-house claims team ready to provide a prompt and personal service.
If you’re interested in speaking to a chartered insurance broker for advice or a quotation for your Listed Building get in contact with us at Higos. Alternatively fill out our online request a call-back form and a member from our specialist Listed Buildings Insurance team will call you back.