Insuring a listed building
If you buy a listed property, you’re standing on a piece of architectural history that needs extra cover. Find out about insuring a listed building through home insurance.
What is a listed building?
A listed building is one of special cultural, historical or architectural importance in the UK. Due to their significance, listed buildings can’t be demolished, extended or altered without permission from a local planning authority.
Buildings can be listed via nomination or assigned based on research. These are managed by public bodies throughout the UK, including Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw in Wales and Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities.
Older buildings at least 30 years old are more likely to be listed, and a building built after 1945 must be exceptionally important to be listed. All properties built between 1700 and 1840 which maintain their original condition are generally listed.
What are the different listed building grades?
- Grade I listed buildings in England and Wales are classed as Category A in Scotland and Grade A in Northern Ireland. These are of exceptional interest with the highest significance.
- Grade II* listed buildings in England and Wales are known as Category B in Scotland and Grade B+/B1 in Northern Irland. These are of particular interest that warrant preservation efforts.
- Grade II listed buildings in England and Wales are labelled Category C in Scotland and Grade B2 in Northern Ireland. These are of special interest. If your home is a listed building, it likely falls into this category.
What is listed building insurance?
Listed building insurance is a type of buildings insurance that covers listed buildings. It’s specifically designed for the unique nature of listed buildings, including the materials and techniques used to repair them.
The cost to maintain and repair listed buildings is typically higher than standard homes. This is due to the requirement of specific materials and approval from the council to carry out works – including knocking down an internal wall.
Listed buildings are also considered higher risk by insurers. As they’re much older than standard homes, they can be more vulnerable to damage by vandalism, fire, damp or poor drainage.
Sainsbury's Bank don't offer listed buildings insurance but our buildings and contents insurance could provide some cover as standard. You should make sure to do your own research to make sure you get the cover you need.
What does listed buildings insurance cover?
Listed buildings insurance policies can vary, but it generally works the same as home insurance.
| What’s covered? | What’s not covered? |
|---|---|
| Burst pipes | Routine maintenance |
| Subsidence | General wear and tear |
| Vandalism and theft | Storm damage to fences |
| Fire, flood and storm damage | Pest infestations |
| Falling trees/debris, aerials or satellite equipment damage | Damage due to negligence |
Like standard home insurance, you can combine buildings insurance with contents insurance into a single policy for your listed home or take them out separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is it more expensive to insure a listed building?
It can be sometimes be more expensive to insure a listed building, but it's not always the case. Listed buildings can require special materials and techniques for repairs. They're also older so can be more vulnerable to damage, making them a higher risk by insurers. However, there are many defining factors when working out the cost of insurance.
Who is responsible for protecting listed buildings?
If you own a listed building, you are solely responsible for repairs and maintenance. You must also get building consent from your planning authority before carrying out works. If you’re living in a listed building as a tenant, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property.
What happens if you damage a listed building?
If you damage a listed building – whether through poor maintenance or unauthorised works – you can be prosecuted or ordered to pay a fine. The local planning authority may issue a building enforcement notice to restore the property or apply to the court for an injunction to stop works taking place.
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