Listed Buildings Checker
Over 400,000 properties in England are listed buildings, carrying significant restrictions on what owners can alter. Check before buying — listed status affects renovation costs, insurance, and what works require consent.
Historic England — National Heritage List for England
The official register of all listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and other designated heritage assets in England. Search by address, postcode, or list entry number.
Search the NHLE →Other nations:Scotland: Historic Environment Scotland →Wales: Cadw (Coflein) →Northern Ireland: Historic Environment Division →
Listed building grades in England
England uses three grades to classify listed buildings. The grade indicates the relative importance of the building and broadly determines the level of scrutiny applied to proposed works.
| Grade | Proportion | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grade I | ~2.5% | Exceptional interest — only the most important buildings qualify. |
| Grade II* | ~6% | Particularly important buildings of more than special interest. |
| Grade II | ~91.5% | Nationally important buildings of special interest. |
Scotland uses Categories A, B, and C. Wales uses Grades I, II*, and II (same letters as England). Northern Ireland uses Categories A, B+, B1, and B2.
What listed building status means for owners
Listing protects the whole building — not just the exterior. Both internal and external works that affect the character of the building require Listed Building Consent (LBC) from the local planning authority, in addition to any planning permission that may also be needed.
Works commonly requiring consent include: replacing windows or doors with different materials or styles, re-roofing (especially with different tiles or slates), removing or altering internal walls, fireplaces, staircases, or original joinery, and installing modern insulation in ways that affect historic fabric.
Criminal offence: Carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building is a criminal offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Penalties include an unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment. There is no time limit on prosecution.
Insurance: Listed buildings typically cost 20–50% more to insure than equivalent non-listed properties because specialist tradespeople and materials are required for repairs. Standard buildings insurance may not cover the full cost of reinstatement.
Mortgage: Most mainstream lenders will lend on Grade II listed properties without special conditions. Grade I and Grade II* properties may require specialist valuation reports and some lenders apply additional criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find out if a property is a listed building?
- Search the Historic England National Heritage List for England (NHLE) at historicengland.org.uk. You can search by address, postcode, or list entry number. In Scotland use the Historic Environment Scotland database; in Wales, the Cadw database; in Northern Ireland, the Historic Environment Division register.
- What can I do to a listed building?
- Works that do not affect the character of the building as a structure of special architectural or historic interest can usually be carried out without Listed Building Consent. Day-to-day maintenance and like-for-like repair using original materials is generally acceptable. For any alterations beyond this — including internal works — you should consult the local authority conservation officer before proceeding.
- Do I need both planning permission and Listed Building Consent?
- Yes. Listed Building Consent and planning permission are separate applications with separate processes. A project that requires both must obtain both independently. Carrying out works without the required Listed Building Consent is a criminal offence regardless of whether planning permission was granted.
- Can I extend a listed building?
- Yes, in principle. Extensions to listed buildings are considered on their merits. You will need Listed Building Consent and usually planning permission. The proposed extension must be sympathetic to the character, scale, and materials of the original building. Proposals are assessed by the local authority conservation officer and Historic England may be consulted on Grade I and II* buildings.
- What is the difference between a conservation area and a listed building?
- They are entirely separate designations. A listed building is individually protected because of its own special architectural or historic interest. A conservation area is a geographic designation protecting the character and appearance of an area — it affects all buildings and land within the boundary, whether individually listed or not. A building can be both listed and within a conservation area.