Titled Heritage Works for Housing, the guidance provides comprehensive advice on converting historic structures for housing. It covers essential steps, such as assessing feasibility, engaging stakeholders, evaluating heritage value, designing and obtaining building consent, and planning long-term maintenance. The report, prepared by Deloitte for Historic England, outlines the current development landscape and priorities for adaptive reuse of these structures.
Historic England, which advises the government on historic environment matters, says the guidance is tailored for small to medium-sized developers. According to the report, repurposing older, vacant buildings could supply up to 670,000 new homes, alleviating some of the pressure from the ongoing housing shortage.
The document highlights that the redundant textile mills in Yorkshire and Lancashire alone could provide 42,000 homes, demonstrating how historic properties can significantly contribute to the national housing supply.
Moreover, repurposing underused buildings would support the UK’s net-zero targets, while offering homebuyers attractive heritage housing options. Homes near listed buildings, it adds, typically command a 10% higher price.
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, praised the report as a “timely and practical resource for developers aiming to adapt historic buildings into housing.” He emphasised that historic properties offer unique and sustainable living spaces that cater to modern buyers, while preserving their heritage and character.
Wilson also acknowledged Deloitte’s extensive experience in redeveloping historic buildings, which was instrumental in drafting the report. Tim Heatley, co-founder of developer Capital & Centric, added that demand for conversion projects currently surpasses new building inquiries by four times. He noted that many people are drawn to historic properties because they evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.
