What to check before buying an unusual UK home, from listed buildings and converted churches to thatched cottages, non-standard construction and houseboats: consents, mortgages, insurance, surveys and hidden legal issues.
Converted chapels, windmills, thatched cottages, water towers, houseboats: unusual homes can be wonderful, but they often come with extra rules, costs and complications. Here's what to check before you fall in love with one.
Listed buildings
Many unusual homes are listed, meaning they're protected for their special architectural or historic interest. In England, Historic England keeps the list, and there are separate systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- You need listed building consent from the local council for works that affect the building's character, inside or out, including some repairs, replacing windows and changing internal layouts.
- Carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building is a criminal offence, and as the owner you can be required to put things right even if a previous owner did the work.
- Ask the seller for evidence of consent for past alterations, and have your solicitor check.
- Repairs may need traditional materials and specialist trades, which can cost more.
Conservation areas
Properties in conservation areas can have extra planning controls on things like demolition, trees, windows and extensions. Check with the local council.
Non-standard construction
Homes not built from brick or stone with a conventional roof are often called "non-standard". Examples include thatched roofs, some timber-framed houses, steel-framed or concrete homes built after the war, and some prefabs.
- Mortgages: many lenders restrict lending on non-standard construction, and some post-war concrete homes have been classed as defective. A mortgage broker who knows the market can help.
- Insurance: thatched homes in particular need specialist insurance, and premiums can be higher. Get a quote before committing.
- Maintenance: thatch needs periodic re-ridging and eventually re-thatching.
Converted churches and chapels
- Burials: there may be graves in the grounds or beneath the building, with rules about disturbing them and access rights for relatives.
- Chancel repair liability: in England and Wales, some properties on former church land may carry an obligation to pay for repairs to a parish church. Your solicitor can check, and insurance is available.
- Restrictive covenants: these may limit uses, such as selling alcohol.
Houseboats
A houseboat isn't property in the usual sense. You don't buy land, and you'll usually need a residential mooring, which is in limited supply, plus a boat licence on most inland waterways. Standard mortgages don't apply; you'd need a marine loan or cash. Check the boat's condition with a marine surveyor.
Remote and rural homes
Check access rights, private roads and their maintenance, public rights of way, mains services (many rural homes have septic tanks, private water supplies or oil heating), and broadband and mobile signal. Rules apply to septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants, and older systems may need upgrading.
Get the right survey
For older, unusual or altered properties, a RICS Level 3 survey (previously called a building survey) is usually advisable, ideally from a surveyor experienced with that type of building. A basic valuation from your lender isn't enough.
Other checks
- Flood risk: check the government's long-term flood risk service, especially for mills and waterside homes.
- Invasive plants: the seller's property information form asks about Japanese knotweed.
- Running costs: big spaces such as churches and barns can be expensive to heat.
- Resale: a limited pool of buyers and lenders can make unusual homes slower to sell.
The bottom line
Unusual homes reward careful buyers. Budget for specialist surveys, insurance and repairs, use a solicitor experienced with the property type, and talk to lenders and insurers early.
Sources and further reading
- Historic England: Listed building consent
- RICS: Standards and guidance
- GOV.UK: Check long-term flood risk
- GOV.UK: General binding rules for small sewage discharges
- Canal & River Trust: Boat licensing
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Frequently asked questions
What should you know about Listed buildings?
Many unusual homes are listed, meaning they're protected for their special architectural or historic interest. In England, Historic England keeps the list, and there are separate systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What should you know about Conservation areas?
Properties in conservation areas can have extra planning controls on things like demolition, trees, windows and extensions. Check with the local council.
What should you know about Non-standard construction?
Homes not built from brick or stone with a conventional roof are often called "non-standard". Examples include thatched roofs, some timber-framed houses, steel-framed or concrete homes built after the war, and some prefabs.
What should you know about Houseboats?
A houseboat isn't property in the usual sense. You don't buy land, and you'll usually need a residential mooring, which is in limited supply, plus a boat licence on most inland waterways.