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Property Conveyancing Farleys Solicitors LLP
Property Conveyancing Farleys Solicitors LLP

Purchase of Listed Properties & Properties in Conservation Areas

Solicitors and Conveyancers for Listed Properties and Properties in Conservation Areas

Buying a listed property can allow you to own a little slice of British history. By definition, a listed property is one that appears on a national register as a property of architectural or historic importance or interest.   There are also a large number of properties across England and Wales that fall within Conservations Areas; these are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

These buildings can be used for either residential or commercial use but often come with restrictions as to how the buildings can be altered, renovated or decorated. Farleys Solicitors’ property team have experience of managing the purchase of listed buildings and properties in conservation areas on behalf of buyers to ensure they are fully aware of any legal requirements and obligations.

What Categories of Listed Buildings Are There?

Grade I

Grade I buildings are described as being of exceptional interest – only 2.5% of listed buildings are categorised as Grade I.

Grade II*

Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. 5.5% of listed buildings have been placed in this category.

Grade II

Grade II buildings are of special interest. This is the most common grading with 92% of all listed buildings being categorised as grade II. Most residential listed properties are grade II buildings.

Purchasing a Listed Property

When you are looking to purchase a listed property it is important to check that there have been no unauthorised alterations carried out by previous owners. An experienced solicitor or conveyancer can assist you by fully investigating all previous alterations and ensuring that consent was granted for each one.

If you do not have previous alterations investigated for their legitimacy, you could end up footing the bill for fines relating to unauthorised alterations even if they were done prior to you buying the property.

Also, usually due their history, listed buildings can be subject to and benefit from more complex restrictions, rights and easements than “normal” properties.  Farleys’ property team will not only report to you on the existence of such matters but will advise you on the impact they may have on your ownership.

Purchasing a Property in a Conservation Area

Before buying a property in a conservation area you should make sure you are aware of the extra requirements and planning conditions put in place for properties in that area. Common areas classed as designated conservation areas by a local authority are often historic towns, fishing and mining villages, and suburbs per-dating the early 20th century. Some of the aspects of owning a property in a conservation area that can be restricted are;

  • Loft conversions with windows visible from the outside

  • Replacing window frames

  • Trees and shrubbery

  • Full or partial demolition

  • And anything else that changes the outward appearance of the property

If you’re considering buying a property in a conservation area, you should consult with a solicitor at the earliest opportunity who can advise on the requirements and conditions you will be taking on with the property to allow you to make an informed decision before making an offer.

Farleys’ property team can then provide advice and assistance throughout the buying process to ensure efficient and compliant completion. Our legal advice will be straightforward and stress-free; we won’t baffle you with legal jargon.

Instant Online Quote

You can get a quote without obligation for buying or selling a property with our free conveyancing quote generator.

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Contact a Listed Property Specialist

To speak to a specialist listed property solicitor or conveyancer please call Farleys Solicitors on 01254606008 or get in contact by email. To get an instant quote, please use our online quote generator.

What our clients say about us

“Andrea Edwards provided an excellent service, professional throughout. We were advised by friends to use Farleys, we will 100% recommend Farleys to friends and relatives in the future. Andrea is a credit to your company/reputation.”
2018-04-19T10:53:15+01:00
“Andrea Edwards provided an excellent service, professional throughout. We were advised by friends to use Farleys, we will 100% recommend Farleys to friends and relatives in the future. Andrea is a credit to your company/reputation.”
“Donna [Jackson] provided an excellent service. Friendly, easy to work with, competent, quick to respond. Couldn’t have asked for better – keep up the good work! Thank you very much! Very impressed. Will recommend and use again!”

Mr B & Miss J – Property Client

2018-08-06T13:01:22+01:00

Mr B & Miss J – Property Client

“Donna [Jackson] provided an excellent service. Friendly, easy to work with, competent, quick to respond. Couldn’t have asked for better – keep up the good work! Thank you very much! Very impressed. Will recommend and use again!”
“This was a difficult house sale that collapsed on three occasions.  Whilst stressful I was always confident Farleys were 100% behind me.  Expert advice and client care.”

Mr T - Property Client

2019-05-16T11:24:30+01:00

Mr T - Property Client

“This was a difficult house sale that collapsed on three occasions.  Whilst stressful I was always confident Farleys were 100% behind me.  Expert advice and client care.”
“We received a fantastic service from Andrea [Edwards] through a very tricky house move. We were very impressed with all the service provided.”

Mr & Mrs C – Domestic Conveyancing Clients

2018-09-24T12:57:20+01:00

Mr & Mrs C – Domestic Conveyancing Clients

“We received a fantastic service from Andrea [Edwards] through a very tricky house move. We were very impressed with all the service provided.”
“As first time buyers, the process of buying a house can be daunting. However, Graeme [Booth] was reassuring and helpful which made us feel at ease. His knowledge and advice certainly helped us in the house buying process. Thanks Graeme!”

Conveyancing Client

2020-02-07T12:28:36+00:00

Conveyancing Client

“As first time buyers, the process of buying a house can be daunting. However, Graeme [Booth] was reassuring and helpful which made us feel at ease. His knowledge and advice certainly helped us in the house buying process. Thanks Graeme!”
“Very friendly, proactive and punctual service. Removed a lot of potential stress from house buying. The best service I have had using a solicitor thus far. Very impressed and recommend with high regard.”
2018-04-19T10:49:15+01:00
“Very friendly, proactive and punctual service. Removed a lot of potential stress from house buying. The best service I have had using a solicitor thus far. Very impressed and recommend with high regard.”
“Dealing with Andrea [Edwards] was very re-assuring as she is professional, efficient and very capable. Above all she explains things in a very factual yet easy to understand way.”

- Mr & Mrs Q – Property Purchase

2019-05-16T11:41:02+01:00

- Mr & Mrs Q – Property Purchase

“Dealing with Andrea [Edwards] was very re-assuring as she is professional, efficient and very capable. Above all she explains things in a very factual yet easy to understand way.”
“My best interests were always at the forefront of everything”

Ms B – Domestic Conveyancing Client

2018-09-24T12:51:12+01:00

Ms B – Domestic Conveyancing Client

“My best interests were always at the forefront of everything”
“Andrea [Edwards] was extremely helpful and supportive, we couldn’t have asked for more. 5 star service!! Thank You.”

Mr & Mrs B - Residential Conveyancing Clients

2018-11-14T10:40:46+00:00

Mr & Mrs B - Residential Conveyancing Clients

“Andrea [Edwards] was extremely helpful and supportive, we couldn’t have asked for more. 5 star service!! Thank You.”
"Donna’s professionalism gave me confidence in the procedure. Excellent. Thank you.”
2018-06-19T11:27:31+01:00
"Donna’s professionalism gave me confidence in the procedure. Excellent. Thank you.”
"I can’t thank Andrea enough for the work she put in when I was purchasing my property, she was knowledgable and so so helpful, always responding to emails promptly."

Paula M - Residential Property Client

2020-09-16T09:48:40+01:00

Paula M - Residential Property Client

"I can’t thank Andrea enough for the work she put in when I was purchasing my property, she was knowledgable and so so helpful, always responding to emails promptly."
"Donna [Jackson] is an asset to your company and throughout the whole process she was informative, responsive and reliable and I would recommend her to everyone. She is also so friendly and as first time buyers made us feel no question was a silly one, she made us feel really comfortable as she is so approachable."

Jacqueline Bee - Conveyancing Client

2020-06-03T12:21:48+01:00

Jacqueline Bee - Conveyancing Client

"Donna [Jackson] is an asset to your company and throughout the whole process she was informative, responsive and reliable and I would recommend her to everyone. She is also so friendly and as first time buyers made us feel no question was a silly one, she made us feel really comfortable as she is so approachable."
“Everything went smoothly and no hassle = no stress!”

Mr H - Residential Property Client

2019-05-16T11:23:01+01:00

Mr H - Residential Property Client

“Everything went smoothly and no hassle = no stress!”
“Donna [Jackson] was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process, we cannot thank her enough. She was very polite and dealt with any requests we had promptly and kept us informed throughout. Very professional friendly service!”
2018-04-19T10:50:11+01:00
“Donna [Jackson] was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process, we cannot thank her enough. She was very polite and dealt with any requests we had promptly and kept us informed throughout. Very professional friendly service!”
“The prompt reply to emails. The efficient ‘holiday handover’ of the case. The friendly & efficient service. It appeared that Donna (and Andrea) went the ‘extra mile’ to help push the sale through.”
2018-04-19T10:51:23+01:00
“The prompt reply to emails. The efficient ‘holiday handover’ of the case. The friendly & efficient service. It appeared that Donna (and Andrea) went the ‘extra mile’ to help push the sale through.”

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