what are the ramifications of owning a grade 2 listed dwelling?

Answer 1

All exterior work has to be approved by a planning committee before it is undertaken. External features must be kept in line with the style of the building.

Some minor internal work can be undertaken without planning permission, but any major alterations would need to go before a committee.

You can be forced to undertake maintenance work to the property, but, unless the grading is 2* or above, you are not entitled to any grants or loans to help you meet the cost of this maintenance. AND the costs are likely to be higher than those you would incur for maintaining a 'regular' property.

Yes, a listed building is likely to have more character, and older buildings are often more solidly built than new ones, but, unless you are a builder, or know builders as friends and can get work done cheaply, or the property in question is in exremely good condition, my advice would be to avoid it.

Answer 2

You have to keep the integrity of the building.
Basically you can repair and maintain
The exterior has to be kept in the style it has been listed as there is little or no changes there and the interior you can make minor alterations and occasionally more major work is allowed but everything has to be approved. That means proper working drawings and specifications. Everything is a slow process as it has to be put before the committee and they often have to arrange site visits after reading your requests and approving. You are supposed to wait until you get their approval in writing before carrying to any alterations and they may include certain provisions within their approval documents.

I think they also have the power to make you maintain the property to reasonable standard.

Answer 3

the brief answer is that you have to maintain the exterior of the property in it's period condition.
So you can not fit UPVC windows in many cases and things such as painting to soffit boards instead of fitting UPVC.

Period fittings such as fire places, stairs, roof coverings etc may also be included within the listing.

The pro's are that you are living in a property made by craftsman and will be the envy of all those living in modern houses that have no character and are thrown up.

Answer 4

the downside is you can not improve the outside walls of the building and if it doesnt have double glazing it has to be approved by a building inspector and be in keeping with the rest of the building dasically you cant buy a house with sandstone walls and then go and pebble dash them also satelite dishes must not be visible inside you can do whatever you want to improve though
good luck