By LPOC  If you're thinking of buying or you own a listed property, here are some helpful do’s and don’ts that will serve you well............... DO – Understand your rights regarding VAT on new work undertaken on a Listed Building. The onus of deciding if tax is due or not rests with the builder and he will want to charge it ‘Just in case’ and once its been paid there is no mechanism to reclaim from Customs & Excise. DO – Be sure your home insurance policy is suitable for a Listed Building. For a ‘Normal’ house in the eventuality of a claim, the matter is between you and your insurance company. With a listed building English Heritage or the local Council Conservation Officer will insist any repairs or rebuilding match the original in both style and methods used and the owner is responsible for financing this work, whatever the cost! DO – Make contact with your local Conservation Officer if you have just brought a Listed Building. He can be your greatest friend and ally. He will almost certainly know of houses near to you that have experienced all of the same problems that you will encounter. DO – Ensure that when buying a listed building any alterations have the relevant listed building consent, it doesn’t matter who did the work or how long ago it was done, it is the current owners responsibility. DON’T – Mix modern methods with traditional methods. Your home will almost certainly be built with Lime Mortar and the use of cement in older buildings can do irreparable damage. DON’T – Forget most products and materials were delivered to your home on a horse and cart and invariably they are from a local source. If for example you want to colour match mortar look for a local sand supply and forget the builders merchants. DON’T – Rush into making changes to your Listed Building. Spend time in the house, and decide what works and what doesn’t and then slowly undertake each task. The house has probably stood for several years and a few months consideration will be time well spent.
 The Listed Property Owners Club was established in 1993 by a group of enthusiastic owners to provide advice and information gained from personal experience. It is now Britain's only advice service dedicated to keeping listed building owners informed of their obligations, rights, privileges and responsibilities. We also provide practical information on property maintenance, guidance on grants, loans, VAT, insurance etc.
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