How Much Is Listed Building Insurance?

This article was reviewed and updated on 12th May 2026.

If you currently own, or are thinking about buying, a listed property, you’ll probably already be aware that upkeep and maintenance can be more expensive than for a standard home.

Many mainstream insurers also have limited appetite for listed buildings, especially if the property has unusual features or non-standard construction. That’s why some homeowners choose a specialist policy designed for listed homes.

In this guide, we’ll explain what affects the cost of listed building insurance, why premiums can vary so much, and what you can do to get the most accurate quote.

Is listed building insurance more expensive?

Listed building insurance can be more expensive than standard home insurance, but it isn’t always.

The price you pay depends on several factors, especially the rebuild cost, the building’s construction type, and how complex repairs would be after a major claim.

How the listing grade affects cost

Insurers often consider the listing grade or category when calculating a premium, because it can affect how repairs and alterations must be handled.

In England and Wales, listed buildings have three grades:

• Grade I – buildings of exceptional interest
• Grade II* – particularly important buildings of more than special interest
• Grade II – buildings of special interest, which is the most common grade

In Scotland, listed buildings are categorised as A, B, or C, while Northern Ireland uses a different grading system again.

In general, the higher the grade or category, the more carefully repairs and changes may need to be managed. That can influence the materials and specialist labour required, which can increase potential claim costs.

For more information, read our guide on what you need to know about owning a listed property.

How age and construction affect cost

Older properties often require more specialist maintenance. If your listed home has a non-standard construction type, repair and rebuild costs can be higher than for a modern brick-built home with a tiled roof.

For example:

• A very old property may include traditional materials such as timber frame and wattle and daub.
• A later period property may still be listed, but could be more conventional in construction, such as brick and mortar.

Both could be listed, but the complexity of repairs, the availability of suitable materials, and the type of specialist labour needed can differ significantly.

Why repairs can take longer

Repairing listed buildings can take longer for several reasons, such as:

• sourcing traditional materials that match the original
• using skilled tradespeople experienced in historic buildings
• allowing time for work to be inspected or approved where required

Longer repair times can sometimes increase claim costs, especially if alternative accommodation is needed after a serious loss.

Rebuild cost vs market value

One of the most important factors in listed building insurance is the rebuild cost, not the market value.

For listed properties, this can be especially important because repairs may involve traditional materials, specialist labour, and work carried out in keeping with the building’s original character.

Rather than guessing, it’s worth understanding how rebuild cost differs from market value before choosing your buildings sum insured.

Read our rebuild cost vs market value guide.

Other things that affect your premium

Listed status is only one part of the picture. Other factors that can influence the cost of home insurance include:

• Claims history – whether the property has had recent or significant claims
• Security – locks, alarms, and other protective measures
• Location risks – such as flood exposure or subsidence history in the area
• Property type – construction, roof type, and overall condition
• Size – number of rooms and outbuildings
• Occupancy and use – for example, if the property is left unoccupied or used as a second home

How to keep listed building insurance affordable

While you can’t change a building’s listed status, there are a few practical steps that may help keep costs under control:

• Insure the correct rebuild cost – avoid underinsurance and unexpected claim shortfalls
• Maintain the property well – keeping on top of roof issues, gutters and plumbing can reduce claim risk
• Improve security – where appropriate for the property’s character
• Be clear about how the home is occupied – especially if it’s a second home or left empty at times
• Tell your insurer about renovations – building works can change risk during the project

What insurers may ask for

When getting quotes for listed building insurance, it helps to have the following ready:

• the property’s listing grade or category
• the age of the building, even if approximate
• the construction type, including walls and roof
• any specialist features, such as timber frame, thatch, or flat roof areas
• the rebuild cost you want to insure
• details of any previous claims
• whether any work is planned in the next 12 months

FAQs

Can I get listed building insurance if my home is Grade II?

Yes. Grade II is the most common listing grade in England and Wales. Many Grade II homes can be insured, but the best policy for you will depend on the home’s construction type, rebuild cost, and overall condition.

Is it harder to insure very old listed buildings?

It can be, especially if the building has unusual construction features or requires highly specialist repair methods. In some cases, fewer insurers may be able to offer cover, which can reduce choice.

Does listed building insurance cover like-for-like repairs?

It may do, depending on the policy. Listed buildings can require specialist repairs and traditional materials, so it’s important to check the level of cover, the rebuild sum insured, and any policy conditions.

Do I need to tell my insurer if I’m renovating my listed building?

Yes, in most cases you should. Renovation work can change the risk while the project is ongoing, and some policies may need to be adjusted to make sure you remain covered.

Can the rebuild cost be higher than the value of the property?

Yes. With listed properties, rebuild costs can sometimes be higher than market value due to specialist labour, traditional materials, and the complexity of repairs.