Would you buy a 17th century listed property, or am I mad for considering?

jacs645

I've just had an offer accepted on a Grade II listed property built in 17th century which is timer-framed. The property looks to be in good order, and obviously I'm having a full structural survey by a surveyor who is experience in listed buildings but I'm nervous.  I don't know much about property maintenance and don't have the skills myself (bar very basic ones) 
Am I mad to consider such a purchase?
Have you previously purchased a listed property? What was your experience?
Thanks

Robin9

Have you a bottomless cheque book ?

Grumpelstiltskin

Two words Barge and Pole.
If you don't have any property maintenance skills you will be totally lost and skint.

youth_leader

My experience of my listed building was that it was a beautiful, spacious, unique, money pit - but I was a Grade II.  Yours sounds like a Grade I, you might be eligible for some grants? 

binao

jacs Manor maybe. 

You could always form a preservation group, weekend campers on / in the paddock!!

Good luck.

greatcrested

Of course some people will consider it. This property will sell. If not to you, then to someone else.

Yes, old properties inevitably need more maintenance and hence ongoing cost.

Yes, listed buildings pose restrictions on what can and what must be done (and hence ongoing cost).

But they can also provide huge benefits in terms of character, lifestyle etc.

It's right that it helps to have some DIY skills, and/or understanding of what tradespeople will be needed to do what jobs, but these things can be learned.

But you do need a willingness to learn, a willingness to devote some time to the property (not expect to just move in, live and need do nothing) and a fund or income to draw on going forward.

So don't just dismiss the idea, but do consider seriously what it is you are buying and potentially taking on. Who knows, if the previous owner has maintained/improved the propery well, it may actually need less than people are suggesting, so take nothing for granted, either way!

Living_proof

So much stress in my life was caused by a grade II listed house with so many restrictions e.g. windows, tv aerial, etc. and which subsequently suffered from subsidence with a £30K under-insurance bill. I now live in a 10 year old house which is wonderfully warm, cheap to keep and the only personality it has is ME!

caprikid1

I've done , 1930's, 1900's, late 80's now a house dating back to the 1600's, does it cost yes, is it worth it ? When I drive up the drive all the stress of work goes away when I look at the place. Do I feel a slave to the place ? Some days I feel it owns me. Would I sell ? Only when I am well into retirement.
Beautiful houses with baggage are like similar people high maintenance but often worth it. Probably should not have both in your life though.

robatwork

Do you know what wattle & daub are? Lath & plaster? 

Ask to see some heating bills before you move (is it wood stove powered?).

And then move elsewhere.

jimbo6977

Run for your life / sanity / wallet !

greatcrested

caprikid1 said:

Beautiful houses with baggage are like similar people high maintenance but often worth it. Probably should not have both in your life though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWsXIushtbI&app=desktop