Grade II Listed - tell me everything I need to know

[KimDeals]

I am frantically trying to buy a family home. Nigh on impossible, just got outbid again on Monday on a fingers-crossed ‘I think this is the one’ house. And immediately after a charming house appeared online and softened the blow… somehow I failed to notice it is a Grade II listed building. (No beams, no thatch, but lovely gentle what I would call “the pastors house” kind of building!)

I have no leanings either way on this fact but I must be practical. I am viewing it Friday. I will do a full survey IF I even get to that point (sick of jumping the gun now) … but ahead of all of that, can you please educate me on what I should look out for immediately, what I should ask? Any pointers really appreciated!

Many thanks!

@cherrywhite

Never say never - we're all rooting for you!!

If I get it you will all know where I live 😂

I could host MN soapbox sessions!

@Fairylightsongs. Not scaremongering, just being honest. It is one of the main things that people don't realise about listed buildings and that causes issues when buying or selling. The things written in the official listing are not the only things covered. The online description is just to help identify the correct house and only mentions the major features. Everything within the grounds, including outbuildings and walls is covered by a listing as I think someone else mentioned upthread. You can own and live in a listed building and do whatever you like and not ever get in trouble for it and I assume this is the situation in most cases but it is important to know the potential worst case scenario so you know what you are letting yourself in for.

Good luck! Check local guidelines. Mt friend lives in a grade 2 listed and can't do anything without approval it's been a bit of a nightmare tbh. But that one looks like has had some updates so might be better in that area!

Kimdeals it is a lovely house.

Book another viewing and take a note book and pen to jot down anything that might be an issue. Are the windows pvc as someone mentioned? They would likely be a problem. The back of the house has been changed I would be asking how long ago. The beam in the kitchen is a give away. Have a good look at all the extensions at the back. Those that are ‘historic’ over a certain time may be ok but the ‘lean to’ I wouldn’t be so sure about. Go into the Council and see if they still have a Conservation Officer and ask to speak to them or make an appointment. I found they were really keen to work with you if you want the house because you love it for it’s history/ appearance and they will give you advice. If not then it should be on their property listing and you should be able to see and planning that has gone on.

Things like plastic windows and pvc doors and sometimes the type of door( even colour) if in will have to be changed. Then it is up to you to negotiate with the vendors to change it. Windows are more expensive but the look is part of the character of the house so you need to decide if it is worth it.
I have a Grade 2 listed terraced house bought with my son. It is just the outside as that row of houses and the ones adjacent have historical value. They were built to house leather factory workers. The leather factory is now an Asda and various other commercial buildings.
They have been very slack recently which annoys me as I have maintained the house while others have replaced with pvc windows / different panes and someone has put in a pvc door recently. There is no stipulation for door colour but I wish there was...someone has painted one vibrant pink! When the council office was moved just up the street ( less than 1/2 mile) I expected some rattling of cages but not so far.

We haven’t found it a problem. It does put some people off buying which is good if you are happy to comply. The only thing we have spent more on is the windows but we replaced our cottage windows first. We had a joiner make them and he did a fantastic job. Just find a company that deals with listed buildings are you’ll be fine. We recently put an Everhot in our kitchen and is is lovely and warm now. So you might find a purchase like that helps.
Oh they did visit when we wanted to knock down a small interior wall in our own house. We are not listed.

Do your research. Visit two or three times( it is the largest purchase in your life) and make notes. Ask the vendor questions if they are there.
Good luck with it. Please let us know.