New Home

[Anonymous]

My partner and i have just put an offer on a 17th Century Grade 2 listed cottage. It is the mid terrace of three in what i assume used to be one house, and has been split. We're all new to all of this, and desperately need some advice. Firstly, the agent failed to tell us it was listed - why would he do this? Does it add / decrease market value of the house? Both inside and outside of the house are white-washed (i hope thats the correct term), and it all look a bit 'clinical' - do we need planning permission to paint walls?! And also, the inglenook fireplace is currently used to house the telly, and the chimney has been boarded over - what problems might we encounter with installing a stove or open fire? Your advice would be much appreciated

 

[Anonymous]

Fingers crossed for your offer, Sonya!

I can't say why the agent didn't tell you that the house is listed. This is very unusual behaviour. Are you sure that it isn't mentioned in the printed particulars somewhere? It is, of course, possible that the vendor didn't bother to tell him/her.

As to the effect that listing has on the price, this is a subject of endless debate. There are some people who will avoid listed buildings because of the constraints on modifying them. But there are also many people for whom listed status is a bonus - they like the "cachet" of living in a listed building, and/or they like the fact that the listing probably means the building has not been totally ruined by modernisation (far from a guarantee, but you're in with a better chance!).

So, my own feeling is that in general listing doesn't affect the price too much one way or the other, with a slight bias in favour of a higher value. I'm sure others will disagree with me!

Painting is usually fairly uncontroversial, provided you haven't got some important painted details in the house, and provided you don't plan to do something outrageous. The best plan is to give the local Conservation Officer a call (he/she works in the Planning Dept of the local district council). Tell him/her what you plan to do and ask if Listed Building Consent will be required. The chances are it won't. Do be sure to convey to the CO that you want to be sympathetic to the building (but don't be too unctuous!).
If your offer is successful, remember that this forum is an endless source of good advice - much of it from professional experts (unlike mine!) - on any future plans or problems you have with the building.
Good luck, and do tell us how you get on.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had the same experience up here, an Agent showed us something that we knew to be listed, but that was not in the details and was disputed until they found out.
Jocelyn

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Sonya - Hope all is still going well with your purchase. I have just come to the end of my first 5 months in my Grade 2 listed 18c terraced cottage in Dorset. I love it - listing I feel (like David Penrose says) is a bit of cachet! I have just this week 'made friends' with the local Conservation Officer and can heartily recommend this approach early on - he was great - I think he thought I was keen but sympathetic and listened more than I talked. He stayed about and hour and I had prepared a list of questions for him which I got all answered - he also advised on any major changes I might be planning just so I could dream 'realistically' Go for it - don't be afraid - you're bound to enjoy the journey of becoming 'custodian' of a listed house preserving it for the next generation. Re white wash - mine too is painted white but its not whitewash - its more likely modern un breathable paint over a Lime mortared and modern concrete patched front - this will gradually fall away from the Lime mortar but I'm already booked on my first Lime course so I'm hoping to learn how to patch repair it myself perhaps - see? a whole new world is opening up - you may never need to watch TV again.....! good Luck and as David says lets us know how its going - this forum is a wealth of support and information.