Listed Buildings in England: Can You Get Your Property Listed?
This page focuses on listed buildings in England. Other nations within the UK have their own heritage bodies and processes.
If you own a property full of character or a historic home, you might wonder if you can turn it into a listed building and how you would go about it. The short answer is you can’t simply choose to make your property listed.
Listing is a formal designation granted only to buildings of special architectural or historic interest. However, anyone can apply to have a building assessed for listing if you believe it meets the criteria, which we explain below. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from how the listing process works, to whether it’s worth putting in an application.
What is a listed building?
A listed building is a structure that is officially recognised for its special architectural or historic interest and therefore given legal protection.
Listed status can apply to far more than just grand stately homes, including:
- Residential houses
- Churches and public buildings
- Bridges and monuments
- Walls, gates, and even telephone boxes
The three grades of listed buildings
- Grade I – Buildings of exceptional interest (around 2.5% of listings)
- Grade II* – Particularly important buildings of more than special interest (around 5.8%)
- Grade II – Buildings of special interest (about 92%)
Most listed homes you encounter will be Grade II.
In Scotland, listed buildings are divided into three categories (A, B or C), depending on their importance, influenced by their style, type, and period. If you want to find out more about how listed buildings are classified in Scotland, visit the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Can you turn your property into a listed building?
To become listed, a property must:
- Meet national selection criteria
- Be assessed by heritage experts (Historic England)
- Be approved by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) (on Historic England’s advice)
Anyone can apply to have a building considered for listing.
What criteria must a property meet?
A building must demonstrate special interest to be considered for listed status:
Architectural interest
- Innovative or distinctive design
- Notable craftsmanship
- Strong representation of a particular style or period
Historic interest
- Connection to important historical events
- Association with significant people
- Contribution to national or local history
Age (typical thresholds used in selection)
- Pre‑1700 → Almost always listed if surviving substantially intact
- 1700–1840 → Most are listed
- 1840–1945 → Selective listing based on quality and rarity
- Post‑1945 → Only buildings of particularly high quality are listed
- Under ~30 years old → Very rarely listed, usually only if of outstanding quality and at risk
The listing process: step-by-step
Step 1: Submit an application to Historic England
Provide evidence such as photos, history, and why the building meets the criteria.
Step 2: Expert assessment by Historic England
Specialists assess architectural/historic interest and integrity. They may research and visit the site.
Step 3: Consultation/Notification
Relevant parties (e.g. the property owner and local planning authority) are notified and may comment.
Step 4: Decision by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Historic England sends its recommendation to DCMS. The Secretary of State makes the final decision on whether to list.
Step 5: Entry added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE)
If approved, the building is added to the NHLE, which is managed by Historic England.
It varies by case and complexity and can take several months. Complex cases may take longer.
You can usually submit new evidence for reconsideration. However, if a Certificate of Immunity from Listing (COI) is granted, the building cannot be listed for 5 years.
Typically:
– The entire building (inside and outside)
– Fixed features (e.g., fireplaces, staircases)
– Structures within the property boundary built before 1 July 1948 may also be protected (This is often referred to as protection of the building and its curtilage).
Yes. You will usually need Listed Building Consent for any works that would affect the building’s character as one of special interest.
This includes many interior changes as well as structural alterations and extensions.
Even replacing windows or altering a fireplace may require consent.
Unauthorised works to a listed building are a criminal offence.
Pros and Cons of Listing Your Property
Before pursuing listing, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks:
| ✅ Benefits | ❌ Drawbacks |
| Prestige and Recognition Your property gains official status as historically and/or architecturally important. | Strict Restrictions You lose some control over what you can change about the property. |
| Protection from Development Listing your property helps prevent inappropriate changes or demolition. | Higher Costs Possible higher insurance costs due to specialist rebuild requirements. Maintenance and repairs often require specialist materials and skilled craftsmen. |
| Cultural Value You can contribute to preserving national heritage. | Slower Renovations Approval processes can delay projects significantly. |
Common Misconceptions About Listed Buildings
“Only the exterior of the building is protected”
❌ False – interiors are often protected too.
“I can renovate my listed home as long as it improves the property”
❌ Not necessarily – changes must preserve historic character, and consent is required where character is affected.
“Old buildings are automatically listed buildings”
❌ Age helps, but significance is what matters.
“Listing increases property value”
⚠️ Sometimes, but not always, and restrictions can deter buyers.
Changing the interior a listed building can usually only be done with Listed Building Consent.
Outbuildings and structures within the curtilage and built before 1 July 1948 are usually protected. Gardens as land are not “listed” in the same way (unless on the separate Register of Parks and Gardens) but works there may still require consent if they affect the building’s character.
Rare but possible (delisting or amending an entry) if new evidence shows the criteria are not met or there was an error.
Yes, costs of insurance and maintenance are often higher due to specialist requirements.
Even if you didn’t know your property was listed, you’re still legally responsible for complying with listing rules.
Potentially, but you may need consent and might face enforcement. Speak to your local planning authority and a conservation specialist.
It depends, as some buyers value listed status, whilst others will want to avoid restrictions on what can be done to their property.
Consider it if:
– Your property has genuine historic or architectural importance
– You want to preserve it long-term
– You’re comfortable with restrictions
Think twice if:
– You want flexibility to renovate or extend
– You’re concerned about costs and consent timescales
Listed status doesn’t just recognise your property – it can provide extra legal protection.
For more information, visit our Grade II Listed Buildings Guide insurance quote for your listed building, no matter what classification of listed property you have.
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