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Listed Buildings Insurance

  • Find the right protection for your listed property and its contents—all in one place.
  • Compare trusted insurers, get competitive quotes, and enjoy exclusive rewards—just for choosing Clarity Compare.
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How are listed buildings graded?

In England and Wales, listed buildings are graded based on their historical and architectural significance.
The grades help determine the level of protection and regulation required.

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Grade I

Buildings of exceptional interest. This elite category includes only around 2% to 2.5% of listed properties.

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Grade II*

Particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Roughly 5.8% of listed buildings in England and 7% in Wales fall into this group.

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Grade II

Buildings of special interest, making up the vast majority—around 91% of all listed properties.

We compare prices from up to 82 trusted insurance providers, including:

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What is a listed building?

A listed building is one recognised for its special architectural or historical significance. It’s recorded on the National Heritage List and protected by law, meaning there are strict rules around alterations, repairs, and maintenance.

If you own a listed property, having specialist listed building insurance is essential to ensure the right level of protection.

There are around 370,000 listed buildings in England, and generally, the older the property, the more likely it is to be listed. Homes built within the last 30 years are rarely eligible for listing.

Do I need listed building insurance?

While buildings insurance isn’t a legal requirement, owning a listed property comes with unique responsibilities. Any repairs or restoration work typically need to use original materials and traditional methods—and you’ll often need listed building consent for changes that could affect the building’s character.
If something like a fire or storm damages your home, the rebuild must reflect the original structure, no matter the cost. That’s why specialist listed building insurance is so important—it’s designed to meet the specific needs and higher risks associated with heritage properties.
Some mainstream insurers do cover listed buildings, while others offer tailored policies through specialist providers. Either way, premiums are often higher than for standard homes, reflecting the care and complexity involved in protecting a piece of history.
With Clarity Compare, you can explore policies that suit your property’s unique profile—helping you find the right cover with confidence.

What does listed buildings insurance cover?

Listed buildings insurance offers many of the same protections as standard home insurance—but it’s tailored to meet the needs of heritage properties. That means it can include cover for specialist materials, traditional repair methods, and skilled labour required to restore your home to its original state.

Here’s what’s typically included:

Usually covered:
  • 1. Fire, flood, and storm damage

  • 2. Burst pipes

  • 3. Damage from falling trees or debris

  • 4. Subsidence

  • 5. Theft and vandalism

  • 6. Alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable
Typically not covered:
  • 1. General wear and tear

  • 2. Routine maintenance

  • 3. Negligence-related damage

  • 4. Storm damage to fences

  • 5. Pest infestations

You can choose separate buildings and contents policies or combine them for all-round protection—often at a better price. With Clarity Compare, you can find tailored insurance that respects the character of your listed home while protecting what matters.

What add-ons can I get with listed buildings insurance?

Need a little extra peace of mind? Many listed building insurance policies offer optional add-ons to extend your cover—
ideal for protecting against life’s unexpected moments.

1. Accidental damage

Covers unintentional mishaps, like a smashed window or spilled paint on original flooring.

2. Home emergency cover

Helps with the cost of urgent callouts and repairs, such as a burst pipe or broken boiler.

3. Personal possessions

Covers valuables like phones, jewellery, and laptops when you take them outside your home.

4. Legal expenses cover

Supports legal costs if you're involved in a property dispute or face a claim.

5. Unoccupied property insurance

Offers protection if your listed home is left empty for more than 30 consecutive days.

Keep in mind, adding extras will increase your premium—so only choose what’s right for you. Some specialist policies may already include certain features as standard, so it’s worth checking before you buy. At Clarity Compare, we help you find the right balance between protection and price.

Maintaining your listed building

  • Taking care of your listed property isn’t just about preserving its character—it can also help prevent costly insurance claims. Regular maintenance keeps your home in top condition and reduces the risk of damage from wear and tear or severe weather.

    Here are a few ways to stay on top of upkeep:

    • Create a seasonal maintenance checklist and inspect your home throughout the year—especially after storms or heavy rain.

    • Protect against damp by checking the roof, gutters, and drains for leaks, blockages, or signs of deterioration.

    • Look for early signs of water damage, like rotting wood, flaking plaster, or crumbling brickwork, and address them promptly.

    By staying proactive, you not only safeguard your investment—you may also keep your insurance premiums more manageable. At Clarity Compare, we help you find cover that works hand in hand with responsible ownership.

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"The best part was how transparent everything felt. No hidden fees or confusion—just honest comparisons and great value."

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How can I get cheaper listed building insurance?

Listed building insurance can be more expensive than standard cover—but there are smart ways to help lower your premium:

1. Pay annually

Paying for your policy in one go can work out cheaper than monthly instalments, which often include interest and admin fees.

2. Improve your home’s security

Fitting approved burglar alarms, smoke detectors, or security lighting may reduce your premium—check with providers to see what’s accepted.

3. Build up a no-claims discount

If you go several years without making a claim, you could be rewarded with a discount—just like with standard home insurance.

4. Avoid over-insuring

Make sure your cover reflects the actual rebuild cost of your property, not its market value. Overestimating can mean paying more than you need to.

5. Compare quotes with Clarity Compare

Don’t stick with your existing insurer out of convenience—comparing deals from multiple trusted providers could help you find better value cover.

What do I need to get a listed building insurance quote?

Getting a quote for listed building insurance is simple—but having the right details ready will help speed things up and ensure accurate results.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Your current home insurance details (if you have cover in place)

  • Key information about your property, including its age, construction materials, and whether it’s Grade I, II*, or II

  • Details about you, your employment status, and any previous claims

  • The rebuild cost of your listed home—not the market value, but the cost to restore it using appropriate materials and methods

Once you’ve got those to hand, you can select the level of cover that suits you, including any add-ons like accidental damage or legal protection.
At Clarity Compare, we make the process quick and straightforward—so you can get tailored cover with confidence.

How much does listed building insurance cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all price for listed building insurance—because no two properties are exactly the same. Factors like age, construction materials, and architectural features all impact your premium.

For example, insuring a Tudor home built with timber and wattle and daub may cost more than covering a Victorian property made with standard bricks and mortar.

As a rule of thumb, the more historic or unique your home is, the higher the cost of cover is likely to be. At Clarity Compare, we help you compare quotes from trusted providers, so you can find the right protection at a competitive price.

How much does standard home insurance cost?

Home insurance doesn't have to break the bank—especially when you compare with Clarity Compare.

Combined buildings and contents insurance

51% of customers paid less than £213 a year¹

Contents insurance only

51% paid less than £64 a year²

Buildings insurance only

51% paid less than £198 a year³

Potential savings

Customers could save up to £202 by comparing quotes with us⁴

¹ 51% of Clarity Compare customers were quoted less than £212.95 for combined buildings and contents insurance in March 2025.
² 51% were quoted less than £63.24 for contents-only insurance.
³ 51% were quoted less than £198.00 for buildings-only insurance.
⁴ Based on independent research by Consumer Intelligence, March 2025. 51% of customers could achieve this saving through Clarity Compare.

What excess will I need to pay for listed building insurance?

If you make a claim on your listed building insurance, you’ll need to pay an excess—the amount you contribute towards the cost of that claim.

There are two types:

  • Compulsory excess – Set by your insurance provider, this is a fixed amount you must pay when claiming. For listed buildings, this can sometimes be higher than average, as specialist repairs and materials tend to cost more.

  • Voluntary excess – You choose this amount yourself. Increasing it could lower your premium, but be sure it’s an amount you can comfortably afford in the event of a claim.

When comparing quotes with Clarity Compare, you’ll see both types of excess clearly listed—so you can make an informed decision about the right balance between cost and cover.

Frequently asked question

What parts of a house are listed?

When a building is listed, everything—inside and out—could be protected, including walls, roofs, fireplaces, doors, and sometimes even garden structures. Always check your listing entry to understand what’s covered.

Yes, but you’ll usually need listed building consent from your local authority. This applies to major changes as well as small ones, especially if they affect the character or structure of the home.

You can check via official registers like Historic England, Cadw (Wales), Historic Environment Scotland, or Northern Ireland’s Heritage Records. These databases are publicly accessible and confirm the building’s grade and listing details.

While you’re not legally required to upgrade or renovate, you are expected to keep the property in good condition. Letting it fall into disrepair can result in enforcement action from your local authority.

Yes—if they’re of architectural or historical significance. Some post-war council properties, especially those designed by noted architects, have been granted listed status.

Check for signs of damp, timber decay, crumbling stonework, or roofing issues. Repairs often need to follow specific guidelines and use traditional materials, which can increase costs.

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