What are the different categories of listed buildings?

All listed buildings are graded according to their importance: In England and Wales, the grades are I II* and II; in Scotland, the categories are A, B and C (S); and in Northern Ireland, they are A, B+, B1 and B2.

When a building is deemed to be of particular architectural or historic interest, to an extent considered to be of national importance, it may be listed.

Different grading systems are in operation across different parts of the UK. For listed buildings in England and Wales, three grades apply: Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II.

The Grade I listing is awarded to buildings of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important. To be listed at Grade II*, a building must be particularly important and of more than special interest. Grade II buildings, meanwhile, have been deemed nationally important and of special interest.

Scotland has three categories of listed building – A, B and C.

Buildings of national or international importance, either architectural or historic, or fine, little-altered examples of a particular period, style or building type, are given an A listing. A building is given a B listing if it is of regional or more than local importance, or is a major example of a certain period, style or building type, which may have been altered.

Category C listed buildings in Scotland are those of local importance or lesser examples of a given period, style or building type, as originally constructed or moderately altered. A building may also be listed as C if it is a simple, traditional building that groups well with other listed buildings.

With regard to the process for listing buildings in Northern Ireland, four grades are used: A, B+, B1 and B2. Only special buildings of national importance are given an A listing, with B+ being used for special buildings that might have merited A status but for relatively minor detracting features such as design impurities or lower quality additions or alterations.

Grades B1 and B2 are applied to special buildings of more local importance or good examples of some period or style. A building may still be accepted for one of these grades even if there is some degree of alteration or  imperfection.

Conclusion

With so many listed building categories across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is important to be aware of the above systems and whether your own building is listed when you come to purchase landlord insurance – not least as that you can choose the most suitable product.