Context is key for residential property in conservation areas

Tue 01 Nov 2022

Richard Cleaver, Head of Residential, Shouler & Son sets it straight about a property’s place in conservation areas.

According to Historic England, there are circa 10,000 conservation areas in this country and every English local authority has, at least, one conservation area within its boundary.

Whereas Listed building status applies to an individual property, conservation area designation is conferred on a specific neighbourhood area, or a number of neighbourhoods, within a clearly defined area.

It’s an important distinction for prospective buyers to bear in mind and one that estate agents should make clear is understood about any of its property instructions with either or, occasionally, both designations.

While a property with a Listed designation or one sitting within a conservation area can command a premium price, it is not always a given - particularly in the latter case.

The level of protection afforded by the planning system to a conservation area looks to secure the look and feel of the surrounding area in which properties sit.

It’s an area in which there could be commercial and public buildings and amenities, as well as residential neighbourhoods.

It is likely that properties in conservation areas will be houses of character with period property features. However, a poorly maintained property of this - or any kind - does not automatically command a premium price simply by being set in a conservation area.

Important to note too is that conservation area status does not exclude the construction of new developments within that area’s boundaries.

To find out more about Shouler & Son’s full range of residential property services, see shoulers.co.uk/pages/residential-services.