Listed Building & Heritage Property Insurance

Protect your historic or listed property with tailored insurance that meets strict conservation and restoration standards. Our policies cover damage from fire, flooding, and vandalism, while ensuring all repairs use approved materials and methods, safeguarding the architectural integrity and heritage value of your building.

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Specialist Insurance Cover for Listed & Heritage Properties

If your property is of special architectural or historic importance, it will appear on the national list of protected buildings maintained by Historic England, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Heritage properties can include anything from grand stately homes and churches to smaller period houses, museums, and monuments, each requiring specialist understanding and protection.

Because these properties must be repaired and maintained using approved materials and conservation methods, standard property insurance isn’t enough. That’s why Rowlands & Hames partner with leading heritage insurers, including Ecclesiastical Insurance, the UK’s leading insurer for Grade I listed properties.

Background

There are around 400,000 listed buildings in England alone (source: Historic England). Of these, just 2.5% are Grade I, 5.8% are Grade II*, and more than 90% are Grade II — all requiring specialist insurance.

In Wales, approximately 30,000 listed buildings follow the same designations, managed by Cadw. Scotland has its own system, administered by Historic Environment Scotland, with around 47,400 listed properties.

The heritage sector continues to face challenges such as funding pressures, metal theft, and rising maintenance costs. Owners and custodians of heritage properties play a vital role in preserving national history — but they also carry legal responsibilities for repair and upkeep.

Fact: Carrying out unauthorised work on a listed building, even repairs, is a criminal offence that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Fact: Buildings within conservation areas can face additional planning restrictions and costs for approved materials, even if they’re not listed.

Specialist Heritage Insurance Expertise

With decades of experience in heritage insurance, Rowlands & Hames works with leading UK insurers, including Ecclesiastical Insurance, to protect historic, listed, and landmark properties.

Our policies can include cover for structural protection, loss of income, liability, and valuable contents such as art and antiques — all tailored to the unique requirements of heritage buildings.

Discover how Ecclesiastical Historic Britain policy supports the preservation of the UK’s most treasured architecture.

What We Cover

Our heritage insurance covers a diverse range of listed and historic properties, from iconic landmarks to privately owned estates.

We can provide protection for:

Castles, forts, and ancient monuments
Heritage hotels, museums, and visitor centres
Stately homes, country mansions, and historic houses
Art galleries, theatres, libraries, and concert halls
Converted churches, factories, warehouses, and docks
Lighthouses, windmills, piers, and almshouses
Fine art collections, preservation trusts, and heritage societies

Whether your property is a centuries-old monument or a restored heritage business, we tailor cover to protect its unique architectural and cultural value.

Claims & Restoration Support

Listed and heritage properties require specialist care when damage occurs. Rowlands & Hames works with insurers who understand the importance of maintaining a property’s historical integrity during restoration.

Repairs are carried out by approved heritage tradespeople and conservation specialists
Authentic materials and techniques are used to ensure compliance with heritage standards
Claims guidance is sensitive to preserving original features and craftsmanship
Additional cover includes archaeological costs under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

Our claims approach is not just about reinstatement — it’s about preservation.

Case Study: Cholderton House

Cholderton House, a large privately-owned Grade II* listed manor house, was built in 1690 and has been the home of the Cornelius-Reid family, its current owners, for 35 years.

In March 2012 a dramatic fire swept through all three floors and the roof. At the height of the fire 12 fire engines worked on the house; local roads closed for safety.

Preventing Underinsurance

Many listed property owners underestimate the true cost of rebuilding or repairing heritage structures. Specialist valuations are vital to ensure your cover reflects these costs.

Rowlands & Hames can arrange free professional valuations through select insurers, helping clients avoid underinsurance and ensuring faster, smoother claims settlements.

Valuations by expert listed building surveyors
Accurate rebuilding and restoration cost assessments
Peace of mind when dealing with English Heritage or trustees

We also work with Ecclesiastical, who offer the Heritage Index — a unique tool tracking the cost of materials and traditional craftsmanship, keeping your sums insured accurate and up to date.

Protecting Your Heritage Property

Heritage properties and valuable art collections face unique risks such as malicious damage, theft, and fire. Proactive protection is key to preserving your property’s legacy and minimising insurance claims.

Common Risks

Malicious Damage
Historic sites and artworks have often been targeted in protest or vandalism — from Rothko’s Black on Maroon at Tate Modern to damage at Westminster Abbey and the National Gallery.

Theft
With an estimated £100 million of artwork stolen annually in the UK, theft remains a serious concern. Notable incidents at Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Arundel Castle highlight the need for robust security.

Our Recommendation:
Stay alert to suspicious visitors or contractors and ensure all staff understand security protocols.

Preventative Measures

Identify and Manage Risks

Every heritage property is unique, so your risk management plan should be too. Combine effective physical, electronic, and procedural security to reduce vulnerabilities.

Key steps:

Conduct regular risk assessments and update security systems
Pay particular attention to high-value or well-known artefacts
Remember that theft can cause as much damage to the building as to the items taken

Fire & Electrical Safety

Fire remains one of the most devastating threats to heritage properties. Routine checks, staff awareness, and preventative maintenance are vital.

Recommendations:

Schedule regular fire risk assessments and staff training
Follow BS7671 guidelines for electrical inspections
Inspection frequency (as per Ecclesiastical guidance):

Churches, offices, restaurants, hotels – every 5 years

Theatres, leisure venues, industrial sites – every 3 years

Swimming pools – every year

Heritage Insights & Additional Cover

Contractors and public visitors can introduce unintentional risks. Establish clear controls for all access points and supervision procedures.

Contractor safety checklist:

Verify ID and issue visitor passes
Record vehicle and entry details
Lock or supervise unused access points
Collect passes at departure

Open Day Guidance:

Review stewarding plans and pay close attention to crowded areas or rooms housing high-value artworks. Encourage staff to report unusual activity promptly.

Working With Your Insurance Broker

Rowlands & Hames partners with Ecclesiastical Insurance, a recognised specialist in the heritage sector, to ensure comprehensive cover and risk management.

Together, we provide access to expert claims support, specialist surveyors, and ongoing risk guidance tailored to heritage properties.

Watch how Ecclesiastical supports heritage property owners with expert advice and restoration assistance.

Listed Buildings & Heritage Insurance FAQs

What does listed building insurance cover?

Listed building insurance covers damage to historic properties caused by risks such as fire, flooding, storm damage, vandalism, and theft. It ensures repairs are carried out using approved materials and methods that comply with heritage conservation standards. Policies can also include liability, loss of income, and contents cover.

Why do I need specialist insurance for a listed or heritage building?

Listed and heritage properties often require specialist repairs, materials, and contractors approved by heritage bodies such as Historic England. Standard property insurance usually doesn’t account for these complexities, so a specialist policy ensures your building can be restored accurately and legally after any damage.

How is the rebuild value of a listed building assessed?

Rebuild values are typically based on professional valuations by surveyors experienced in historic property restoration. Rowlands & Hames can arrange free valuations through certain insurers to ensure your sums insured are accurate and you’re protected against underinsurance.

Can I insure both the building and its contents?

Yes. As well as structural cover, you can include protection for valuable contents such as antiques, artwork, and historical artefacts. These can be insured for their agreed or market value, ensuring complete financial protection in the event of loss or damage.

What happens if my listed building is damaged?

If your building is damaged, specialist insurers will coordinate the repair process using heritage-approved materials and contractors. Their goal is to restore the property while preserving its historical integrity. Claims support is typically more hands-on and sensitive to the needs of listed property owners.

Does listed building insurance cover modern conversions or mixed-use properties?

Yes. Policies can be tailored for a wide range of heritage and converted buildings, including modernised churches, restored factories, converted warehouses, and mixed-use premises that incorporate commercial or residential spaces.

How can I prevent underinsurance on my heritage property?

Underinsurance is a common issue for heritage properties. You can avoid it by commissioning a specialist valuation, updating sums insured regularly, and using tools such as Ecclesiastical’s Heritage Index, which tracks the cost of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Are there specific security measures I should take for listed properties?

Yes. Heritage buildings are vulnerable to theft and vandalism. We recommend regular security assessments, fire and electrical inspections, and clear visitor and contractor management procedures. Ecclesiastical provides detailed risk management guidance tailored to heritage sites.

Can you arrange cover for historic commercial properties or visitor attractions?

Absolutely. We can arrange insurance for a wide variety of heritage sites — from stately homes, museums, and art galleries to heritage hotels, theatres, and visitor centres — with cover for both the building and its operations.

How can I get a quote for listed building or heritage property insurance?

You can contact the Rowlands & Hames team directly for a bespoke quotation. We’ll review your property details, heritage classification, and operational requirements to provide a tailored policy that offers comprehensive protection.