Historic and listed buildings require specialist care, and that includes insurance.
Standard policies may not cover the unique risks and renovation challenges of older properties. That’s why you need a tailored heritage building insurance policy to protect your business and its historic premises.
With expert knowledge and a trusted approach, we provide cover that respects the past while securing your future.
A heritage building insurance policy as unique as your business.
At The Bletchley Group, we specialise in tailored insurance solutions for historic and listed buildings and estates, ensuring businesses with unique needs receive the highest level of protection.
Our team of commercial property and construction experts takes the time to understand your business, assess complex risks, and provide clear, informed guidance. We believe in doing things properly, building lasting relationships with the UK’s top insurers to secure the best possible cover for you.
With a fully independent approach, we prioritise your interests, not ours. We work closely with you, crafting bespoke insurance packages that fit your business like a glove. Because we care, we get it right.
Why choose The Bletchley Group?
- Specialists in construction and heritage property insurance
- Tailored policies designed around your business
- Dedicated claims team for expert support when you need it
- Seamless service that maximises value, with minimal hassle
Find the right heritage building insurance cover for you.
Navigating heritage and listed building insurance can be complex, and choosing the wrong policy could leave you financially and legally exposed.
That’s why our specialist advisers provide expert guidance, ensuring you get the right cover for your historic property – especially during renovations.
Listed buildings require specialist protection, covering everything from fire, flood, and vandalism to the repair of non-standard materials and skilled craftsmanship. With tailored support and expert insight, we help safeguard your heritage while you restore, repair, or convert it with confidence.
Heritage and listed building insurance typically includes cover for:
- Covering renovation, repair, or conversion works
- Protecting against natural and accidental disasters such as fire, flood, and storm damage
- Covering damage or loss due to malicious acts or burglary
- Ensuring structural integrity against water damage and ground movement
- Repair and replacement of non-standard materials (e.g. timber frames, lime plaster, or stonework)
- Funding the cost of expert tradespeople needed for restoration
Want to know more?
Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about our heritage and listed building insurance policies.
- What is a listed building?
A listed building is one recognised for its historical, cultural, or architectural significance and is legally protected. Any changes to its structure usually require special permission from planning authorities. Because of this, maintaining and repairing listed buildings can be more complex and costly than standard properties.
- What are the different grades of listed buildings?
Listed buildings are categorised based on their importance:
England & Wales: Grade I (exceptional interest), Grade II* (particularly important), and Grade II (special interest).
Scotland: Category A, B, and C.
Northern Ireland: Grade A, B+, B1, and B2.
Most listed homes in England and Wales are Grade II, meaning they hold architectural or historical significance.
- Why do listed buildings need specialist insurance?
Owners of listed buildings must maintain them in their original style, which often requires traditional materials and skilled tradespeople. Repairs and renovations must follow strict guidelines, making them more expensive. Specialist listed building insurance ensures that any restoration work adheres to legal and historical preservation standards.
- Is listed building insurance more expensive?
Insurance for listed buildings is typically costlier than standard properties. This is because repairs often require rare materials, expert tradespeople, and conservation approvals, all of which drive up costs. The level of insurance needed depends on the property’s grade, location, and specific restoration requirements.
- Will future renovations affect my insurance?
Yes, any planned renovations must be reported to your insurer, as they could impact your cover. Some policies allow minor works without prior notice, but major renovations, especially structural changes, may require specialist renovation insurance. Failing to notify your insurer could invalidate your policy.
- Can I insure a listed building after damage has already occurred?
No, insurance policies only cover future risks from the start date of the policy. Any damage that happened before you took out insurance won’t be covered. It’s important to always keep your property insured to avoid unexpected repair costs.
- Is insurance legally required for a listed building?
No, insurance isn’t legally mandatory, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will usually require buildings insurance. Even if it’s not required, it’s strongly recommended due to the high costs of repairs and the responsibility of maintaining a historically significant property.
