Many Brits are surprised to discover the discrepancies in heritage listings between the UK and their new home country.
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
The age of a property is one of the main differences between the UK and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. In these countries, and particularly certain cities and regions, it is not uncommon for early to mid 20th Century properties to be heritage listed simply because of their age. However, by British (and European) standards, these properties are quite modern and the focus on heritage is for those constructed much earlier.
In Australia, for example, Federation properties and Californian bungalows – built in the early 1900s through to the 1920s – are often heritage listed, and can attract a sizeable price premium.
However, heritage listings and protections can be applied to properties considerably younger than a century – often not due to their age but because of their cultural significance. Indeed, one of the last remaining streets in Sydney where every house retains its original fibro construction, has been heritage listed for its unique cultural heritage.
As can be the case with listed property in the UK, heritage listings can restrict usage of the property as well as add costs and complications to refurbishment works.
One other aspect of heritage listings in other countries you may not be familiar with is that they can also be applied to trees and gardens as well as buildings. This could mean you are required to scrupulously maintain the existing garden or leave trees untouched by pruners or chainsaws.
Given the potential for additional costs, maintenance work and usage restrictions, it is definitely advisable to check whether a property is currently, or the subject, of a heritage listing before you make the purchase. A good solicitor will be able to do this for you.
For more information about emigrating abroad, download The Overseas Guides Company’s free Emigration Guide.
When transferring money to your new home to pay for things like health insurance, you can save yourself money by enlisting the services of a currency specialist rather than going through your bank. To learn more about this, visit the Currency Zone or contact Smart Currency Exchange.
The views and comments herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Rightmove Overseas, Rightmove Group Ltd or Rightmove Plc