Many people desire to own a historic property with its periodic charm and character. However, buying a listed property with historical significance comes with challenges and some restrictions.
Before purchasing the property, you need to consider many things like the category of listing, the property’s history, its present condition, any unauthorized alterations made by the previous owner, and its repair and maintenance costs.
Check out the vital things or factors to consider when you plan to purchase a listed property in Suffolk or other parts of the UK. Getting an expert historic building advisory service from a chartered and experienced surveyor will help you make an informed purchase decision and let you be aware of your responsibility to the property itself.
1. Check the Listing Category of the Property
Historic properties in England are listed in three categories that reflect their relative historical and architectural significance. These are—
Grade I: - It includes buildings of exceptional special interest.
Grade II: -Specifically important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II: This includes buildings of special interest, requiring every effort to preserve them.
Find out which grade your chosen property to be purchased belongs to. It will help you gain a fair idea of the rules and restrictions to abide by when considering alterations.
2. Hire an Experienced Surveyor for a Detailed Survey
Before you purchase your preferred listed property, you must get complete details about its structure and condition.
For this, you need to hire an independent, RICS-certified, and historic property surveyor specialist who can guide you on the nature of the listing, any structural defects and repair issues, and any additional restrictions or controls imposed by local authorities.
Getting timely historic building advisory service from the specialist will save you from surprises and many hassles after the purchase.
3. Ensure No Unauthorised Alteration in the Property Made by the Previous Owner
Any alteration or extension to be done in the listed property requires its owner to get a Listed Building Consent (LBC) first from the authority. If the previous owner had made any unauthorized changes or repairs to the property, the new property owner may attract a hefty fine from the local conservation officer.
You must find an experienced house surveyor near you and consult him for listed building advice and a survey of your chosen historic property. Expert surveyors will guide you on any such repair work done or needed and whether it would be easy for you to get LBC and other specific aspects worth considering before the listed property purchase.
4. Consider the Hassles and Cost of Regular Maintenance
Due to their ages and rarity, historic properties may show issues of dampness, ineffective insulation, mold, and any structural defect requiring immediate repair or renovation. Before buying such a property, you must take into account the challenges of repair or renovation and the need for regular maintenance.
If you are doing any minor repairs, you may require specialist materials and techniques that match the existing elements, for which you need to pay a premium for specialist service.
5. Look at Insurance Before the Listed Property Purchase
Before owning a heritage property, you should also consider the insurance cost of the property. If you purchase a listed property, getting appropriate insurance is crucial.
It will help you save money should the damage to the property occur, as your insurer covers you for any renovation or repair issues. Your chosen house surveyor near me will guide you about getting suitable insurance coverage.
Takeaway
Considering these factors will help you make an informed purchase decision and buy your preferred listed property in Suffolk or other parts of the UK conveniently. Let the experienced historic building surveyor guide you to make the right choice and enjoy owning a listed building in your city.
Comments
0 comment