Buying a listed house

We reveal the upsides and downsides to heritage properties

FIND a picture-perfect house on the market and the chances are that it might come with a listing. This means it’s a building that has been judged to be important in terms of architectural or historic interest. Buying such a home brings with it the responsibility of owning a piece of history – it’s a reality for nearly half a million UK homeowners. ‘Just be aware that whatever the grade, the whole building is listed inside and out,’ advises surveyor Tom Scott of property consultants Woodforde Scott.

IS IT WORTH BUYING