Heritage listed homes in Queensland – what you need to know
There’s no doubting the charm and appeal of heritage listed homes. However, if you’re thinking about purchasing one, you might be wondering what that means for future renovation plans, too.
In this article, we’ll provide you with important information you need to know about purchasing a heritage listed home in Queensland including regulations around updates and renovations that you might be considering. These are also things you need to think about for church conversions.
Can You Renovate a Heritage Listed House?
While it is possible to renovate heritage listed houses in Queensland, it is heavily legislated. This means you are only allowed to renovate the property as far as making it liveable rather than making huge structural changes you might encounter with your average fixer upper.
To provide clarity over what you can and can’t do when renovating heritage listed houses, here are some of the things you need to consider before purchasing.
Minor Renovations & Updates
It is possible to renovate heritage listed in terms of modern upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, but there are a ton of protocols you need to follow in relation to this. Extensions, in particular, are heavily regulated, and you must maintain as much of the property’s original character as possible.
Windows & Doors
Because of the specific requirements in renovating heritage listed houses, replacing old windows and doors with exact replicas may not be as simple as you first thought. It may end up costing you much more than you budgeted for if you don’t plan ahead.
Façade & Exterior Changes to Heritage Listed Homes
If you’re buying a heritage listed home with the aim to completely alter the façade, then that home might not be right for you. According to the Queensland guidelines, any changes to the façade or exterior of a heritage listed house are strictly prohibited. Ignoring these protocols may result in fines and serious legal action.
Our Advice
While you can renovate a listed house, there could be many limitations to how extensive those renovations are. For this reason, it is not something we would recommend doing without consulting a professional. Especially because a lot of heritage homes that are made from timber, there are always extra things to look for.
It’s advisable to consult a lawyer before purchase so you’re fully aware of all the rights and responsibilities associated with owning heritage listed homes in Queensland.
Owning a heritage listed home can be a great investment, but it’s not something that should be entered into lightly. Learn more about architectural issues for heritage listed homes.
If you need to organise a building inspection from those in the know,
contact our team today or book online.
