What You Can and Cannot Change in a Grade II Listed Home

A simple, design-led guide to what homeowners can and cannot change in a Grade II listed home – from layouts and refurbishments to windows, extensions and interiors.

Many homeowners assume that nothing can be changed in a Grade II or Grade II* listed property. In reality, much more is possible – provided alterations are approached carefully, with the right heritage strategy and always, with the Listed Building Consent.

Below is a clear, straightforward overview of what you can and cannot change, and where professional advice makes all the difference.

What You Can Usually Change

1. Internal Layouts

Internal walls, especially later additions, can often be removed or adjusted. This includes:

• opening up living spaces
• improving circulation
• relocating kitchens or bathrooms (more on this later)

The key is understanding which walls are original and which are not. Councils will also very often insist on preserving the historic ‘compartmentalisation’ – typically keeping the original layout of smaller rooms and spaces intact. But with careful consideration, some opening up of even historic walls will be possible.

2. Kitchens and Bathrooms

These spaces are considered functional, and many councils accept:

• kitchen upgrade and reconfiguration
• upgraded bathrooms
• sensitive plumbing changes

Approvals are more likely when works are well-justified and do not affect significant historic fabric.

3. Extensions

Extensions are not automatically off-limits. They can be approved when:

• the design is sensitive and respectful of the historic fabric
• the extension remains subservient
• key sightlines are respected

Contemporary designs are often acceptable when handled carefully.

4. Windows

Repairs are always preferred, but replacement is possible if:

• the existing windows are beyond repair
• the new windows match traditional detailing
• glazing is discreet (e.g. slimline double glazing)

PVC and inappropriate modern profiles are never accepted.

5. Interior Features

Floors, joinery, fireplaces and finishes can often be upgraded or restored – especially when the originals are missing or damaged. But even those changes to interior design features will need to be considered with a Listed Building Consent application.

Sensitive detailing goes a long way.

What You Usually Cannot Change

1. Important Historic Layouts

Spaces that reflect the original plan of the house, often the front rooms, staircases, or key circulation areas, are better protected. These areas generally require a light-touch approach.

2. Front Elevations

Street-facing facades are highly sensitive. Changes to window proportions, brickwork and facade detailing, and rooflines are rarely approved.

3. Significant Original Features

Elements such as original fireplaces, panelling, or historic staircases are usually retained and repaired rather than removed.

4. Overly Dominant Extensions

Anything that overwhelms the main building or significantly alters its character is unlikely to receive consent.

Grey Areas (Where Strategy Matters Most)

Some proposals fall between clearly allowed and clearly not allowed. These include:

• relocating kitchens
• adding rooflights
• reconfiguring rear facades
• opening up semi-significant rooms
• basements

In these cases, the outcome depends heavily on how the building’s significance is understood, the clarity of the justification and, of course, the quality of the design.

These are the situations where professional guidance can open possibilities that may initially appear off-limits.

A Simple Rule to Remember

If the change does not harm what makes the building special, it is often achievable. The challenge is explaining this clearly within the heritage framework.

How We Help

We guide clients through:

• identifying which parts of the building are significant
• understanding what is realistic and achievable
• preparing the right heritage documentation
• managing the Listed Building Consent process
• resolving uncertainty around past or unauthorised works

Our approach is calm, clear and design-led — helping you make confident decisions at the earliest stage.