According to English Heritage, there are currently around 374,000 Grade I, Grade II and Grade II*-listed properties in England. The older the building, the more likely it is to be listed. 

Grade II-listed buildings, defined as 'of national importance and of special interest', are the most common, accounting for 92 per cent of all listed buildings. Grade II*-listed buildings, defined as 'particularly important buildings of more than special interest', account for about 5.5 per cent. Grade I-listed buildings, defined as 'of exceptonal interest', account for 2.5 per cent of listed buildings. 

A listing is not a preservation order and it certainly doesn't mean owners can't make changes to their property. What it does mean is that before any building work can be carried out, listed building consent must be applied for and granted. This is so that the architectural interest of a building can be preserved and if you break the rules, you're committing a criminal offence, with no time limitation for enforcement. However, there are numerous examples of listed buildings which have been altered, extended and sometimes even demolished within Government planning guidance.  

If you are planning to sell a listed property where works have been undertaken, you will be required to produce evidence that those works have been granted appropriate planning permission and listed building consent. Absence of this important documentation can delay a sale as interested parties may well be advised to take out an indemnity policy or even withdraw from a sale.

If you are considering buying a listed building, it is essential you are fully aware of what listed means and the responsibilities it brings with it. For example, the listing can apply to both the interior and the exterior of a property and will cover everything in existence at the time of the listing, regardless of its age. Any manufactured object or structure within the curtilage of the site which was in existence on 1 July 1948 is also included.

The main fabric of the interior is controlled, too – this will affect the floor plan, staircases, fireplaces, and so on. The listing also includes the maintenance and repair of the building which must be sympathetic and undertaken using appropriate materials by contractors with experience in work on listed buildings.

However, though buying a listed building can be daunting, it's important to remember that the additional effort required does also have its benefits. First and foremost, demand for period property does not seem to diminish and the preservation of character within a building will remain an attraction for future purchasers. This will ultimately contribute to the capital appreciation of the property over time. Equally, the fact that you have had to employ qualified craftsmen, working with appropriate materials, should ensure quality of workmanship.

Listed properties are an important part of our heritage and, as an owner and custodian of a listed building, you are helping to preserve their character for the benefit of future generations.