Insurance for listed buildings

• It's a building of special historical or national importance


• Properties built before 1700 are usually listed


• Buildings made between 1700 and 1840 are likely to be listed

If you live in a listed property, any changes you want to make, like adding an extension, must be agreed by your local council. Making changes without permission could see you fined and you may have to undo your amendments.

You can try contacting your local council or searching the National Heritage List for England to find out if your property is listed.

Living in a listed property can come with its problems and it could be your responsibility to ensure that the building remains damage free and close to its original state.

As the owner of a listed building, you may be legally obliged to restore your property if it suffers any damage. This might include the use of special materials and without cover it could be expensive.

Finding the right level of cover could help you deal with any problems that arise.

You can also carry out regular maintenance to reduce any risks:

• Check your gutters and pipes for blockages, leaks and cracks


• Inspect your roof for loose or broken tiles and wear and tear


• Look at your ceilings for any damp


• Examine your brickwork for problems like erosion and plant growth

It's important to try to stop moisture entering your home as it can lead to things like rotting wood, which could seriously damage your property's structure.

Try reading our home maintenance checklist for more details on weather proofing your home.

As a listed property poses a non-standard risk, finding the right cover can be difficult and costly, but you could get protection by comparing quotes with Confused.com.

• We have more than 10 years' worth of experience in insurance


• Choose from up to 66 brands to find the right cover


• We've created a range of different guides and articles that could give you a hand with your policy