Listed Building Insurance

14/10/2024

A guide to listed building insurance

What is listed building insurance?

Listed building insurance offers specialised home insurance cover that is tailored to the needs of listed homes and period properties.

Listed buildings are properties that are legally protected because of their architectural or historic interest. And this means any damage or repairs will be more regulated, and often more expensive than normal homes.

With listed buildings insurance, you’ll have help covering the cost of insured damages. So you can make the necessary repairs with the correct materials and techniques required to retain the historical significance and character of your home.

Why do I need listed building insurance?

Owning a listed building comes with certain responsibilities. If your home is a listed building, you’ll usually need permission from your local planning authority before carrying out any work on your home. These authorities will specify which materials can be used, and even which craftsmen are needed to ensure the original building methods are followed.

And this work can be just as expensive as it sounds. You can expect to pay up to £50,000* for the average thatched roof. Even something like replacing a sash window can cost you £400** per window.

So whether you own a Victorian house or a Georgian townhouse, listed buildings insurance can ensure you are supported when things go wrong. Protecting the historical value of the property, and more importantly, your home.

Understanding listed building grades

Although a “period property” does not have one standard definition, they can be generalised to mean properties that were built before the First World War in 1914. However, not all period properties are listed.

Listed buildings are categorised into different grades based on where they are.

Northern Ireland is graded as A, B+, B1 or B2.
Scotland categorises their listed properties into categories A, B, or C.
England and Wales both use the same system, grading listed buildings as grade I, grade II*, and grade II.

Can I insure a grade 2 listed building?

Grade 2 listed buildings make up 92%*** of all listed buildings in England. Their equivalent might come under category B or C in Scotland, or B+, B1 or B2 in Northern Ireland. So, chances are you will be insuring a grade 2 listed building. A range of insurers will provide insurance for these buildings without issue. You can even find providers who will specialise in insuring grade 2 listed buildings.

What does listed building insurance cover?

Coverage and exclusions can vary depending on your specific policy, but typical listed buildings insurance policies cover:

Damage from fire, flood and storms

This can include repair or rebuild costs for the unique features of a period property, like a timber frame or thatched roof.

Theft and vandalism

Many Victorian homes are located in urban areas where theft risks are higher. With listed building insurance the contents of the home will be protected.

Falling trees

You could be paying the price for a previous owner’s lack of foresight as trees have grown up around your listed property.

Subsidence

With foundations that have been bearing the weight of an old house for as long as 200 years, subsidence is a real risk for period properties and listed homes.

Burst pipes

An Edwardian house will typically have cast iron drainage and waste pipes. As well as the usual cost of water damage, you could have to repair or replace these with the same pipes if they are damaged.

Common exclusions in listed building insurance

General wear and tear

Listed buildings insurance covers sudden and accidental incidents rather than gradual deterioration.

Routine maintenance and repairs

The cost of regular upkeep and maintaining the home is the responsibility of the property owner.

Unoccupied homes

Insurers will have limits on how long a property can be unoccupied before coverage is limited or even invalidated. This includes probate periods and while the home is being sold.

Pest infestations

Infestations from woodworm, bats, birds, mice or rats can be common in older homes.

Asbestos and other hazardous materials

Many older listed buildings contain hazardous materials like asbestos that insurers exclude.

Structural issues not disclosed

Structural problems that have not been declared to your insurer will not be covered and can invalidate your insurance.

How much does listed building insurance cost?

Our research has revealed the average home insurance cost in England as £186 in 2024. And listed building insurance will generally be more expensive than a standard home insurance policy. This is because the risks associated with listed buildings are higher than a standard home.

The cost of your listed building home insurance will also depend on factors including:

The buildings grade or categorisation
The property’s age and condition
If the building is detached, semi-detached, or a terraced house
The materials the building is made from
Where the home is located
Flood and burglary risks in your area
The coverage you want on the policy
Your home insurance claims history

How do I find the best listed building insurance?

There is no one best or cheapest listed buildings insurance. The best insurance for your listed building will depend on your circumstances, needs and budget. However, comparing quotes from as many listed building insurance providers as possible can be an effective way to find the cover you need.

Listed building insurance FAQs

Does listed building insurance cover accidental damage?

Can I get listed building insurance for a grade 2 property?

Is my home a listed building?

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Sources:

*https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/thatched-roof-cost/
**https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/cost-replacing-sash-windows/
***https://www.concreterenovations.co.uk/news/what-are-the-differences-between-grade-i-and-ii-listed-buildings/