What to Consider When Selling Your Listed Home
Selling a listed home can feel intimidating. Will people be put off by the maintenance costs, the paperwork, the admin it takes to upgrade or extend?
The key is to remember that, once upon a time, you fell in love with your listed home enough to buy it. Consider what motivated you, come prepared to answer prospective buyers’ questions, and lean in to the romance of owning a piece of the country’s history.
Here are some detailed tips for selling a listed home in England:
1. Documentation and Legal Compliance
Listed buildings in England are classified into three grades:
Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest.
Grade II*: Particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II: Buildings of national importance and special interest.
Selling a listed home involves specific responsibilities and potential restrictions due to its historical significance. Find out the exact listing status of your property on the Historic England website and be ready to share this information with your estate agent.
Gather any planning permission applications and consents for past alterations. You can find these on your local authority website by searching for your postcode.
Listed buildings are often exempt from needing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), but check if your home qualifies for this exemption. A decent estate agent will be able to find this out for you.
It is also helpful to be able to answer questions around potential future maintenance. For example, if your home has a thatched roof, when was it last thatched and who by? When might the ridge need to be replaced?
Fire safety is particularly important to owners of listed properties. Is your flue double lined? Are there a smoke/heat detectors in the loft spaces?
2. Choose an Experienced Estate Agent
Select an estate agent with experience in selling listed properties. They should:
Understand the nuances of marketing historic homes.
Be able to highlight the unique features and history of your property.
Know how to navigate the legalities and restrictions.
An estate agent who is experienced in selling listed homes knows how to find the specific market who will be interested in a home like yours. They know how to market your home and stage it for viewings in precisely the right way.
3. Prepare Your Home for Sale
Making your home attractive to buyers involves several steps:
Repairs and Maintenance: Address any outstanding repairs, especially those related to the structural integrity of the building. Prioritize sympathetic restorations that respect the home’s historical character.
Cleaning and Decluttering: Ensure the home is clean and clutter-free to showcase its best features.
Staging: Use furniture and decor that complements the period of the house. Highlight unique architectural features like original fireplaces, beams, and windows.
4. Highlighting the Unique Features
When marketing a listed home, emphasise its unique aspects:
Historical Significance: Share the history and any interesting stories associated with the house.
Architectural Details: Point out original features and any high-quality restorations.
Surroundings and Setting: Describe the local area, especially if it has historical or aesthetic value.
5. Pricing Your Property
Setting the right price is crucial:
Market Comparisons: Compare similar listed properties in your area to get an idea of the market.
Professional Valuation: Get a valuation from a professional with experience in listed buildings.
Consider Restoration Costs: Buyers may be deterred by potential renovation costs, so price realistically.
Again, the right estate agent will be able to advise you on getting the best price for your home.
6. Marketing Strategies
Your marketing strategy should be tailored to the unique nature of a listed home:
Professional Photography: Use high-quality images that capture the character and beauty of the property.
Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours, especially if your home has unique features that are best appreciated in person.
Specialist Websites: List your property on websites that specialize in historic homes, such as Historic England’s property section or niche real estate websites.
7. Open Days and Viewings
Plan open days and viewings strategically:
Schedule Wisely: Arrange viewings at times when your home looks its best, considering lighting and season.
Be Present: If possible, be present during viewings to answer questions and provide insights into the property’s history.
Provide Information: Offer potential buyers details about the listing, maintenance history, and any permissions granted for alterations.
8. Negotiating Offers
Negotiations on a listed property can be complex:
Understand Buyer Concerns: Be prepared to address concerns about maintenance and restrictions.
Be Flexible: Consider reasonable offers and be prepared to negotiate on price or completion dates.
Don’t immediately jump to a lower price to secure a sale: Successfully selling a listed home is as much about finding the right buyer as it is about the price.
9. Legal and Financial Considerations
Engage with professionals to handle the legalities:
Conveyancing Solicitor: Choose a solicitor with experience in listed buildings. They’ll ensure all legal aspects are covered, from compliance to contract specifics.
Surveyors: Encourage potential buyers to use surveyors with expertise in historic buildings to avoid disputes over condition and value.
10. Completion and Moving Out
Final steps in the process:
Pack Carefully: When moving out, pack carefully to avoid damaging any fixtures or fittings that are part of the listing.
Notify Authorities: Inform the relevant authorities about the sale, including local councils if there are any ongoing planning permissions or consents.
Conclusion
Selling a listed home in England requires careful preparation, knowledgeable professionals, and a deep appreciation for the property’s historical significance. By understanding the responsibilities and leveraging the unique charm of your home, you can attract the right buyers and achieve a successful sale.
At Ingham Fox we particularly enjoy marketing listed properties in the Surrey Hills area. If you would like advice or assistance with selling your listed home, please get in touch.
