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Buying a heritage property?
If you’re looking at buying a heritage property you probably have some questions about what this means.
First, it’s important to understand what sort of heritage protection the property has.
You can look up the property address to identify whether it has a state or local heritage listing. If the property is included in the local Heritage Overlay, your local Council is responsible for heritage approvals and can help you with questions.
If the property is included in the Victorian Heritage Register, you’ll need to engage with us about any proposed changes to the place.
Insurance requirements
There are no special insurance requirements regarding the type of cover you need for a heritage property unless the property has special considerations – for example, if it is vacant, needs rewiring or has a commercial use.
However, the true value of the property must be carefully considered.
There are circumstances in which Heritage Victoria may require reconstruction using the same materials or replication of original features. It is the condition of a heritage property that is usually the most crucial for an insurer to understand.
Insurers will generally examine how well a property has been maintained, with particular attention to matters such as the state of electrical wiring and plumbing.
Notify Heritage Victoria you are the new owner
Once you have purchased the heritage property, you are legally required to notify Heritage Victoria within 28 days of the purchase.
You will be asked to register or log in at the next step so you can save and track your application.
Submit a notice of change of owner
Notification of intention to sell
If you are intending to sell your heritage property, you are legally required to notify Heritage Victoria within 28 Days of the date of the contract.
You will be asked to register or log in at the next step so you can save and track your application.
Learn more about your historic property
If you’d like to know more about the style of the property, or if you’re looking for guidance on colour schemes and details from the era, visit our page on heritage places.
If you’re looking for more information, State Archives Victoria have prepared a helpful guide on how to research your historic home.
Understand your obligations as an owner of a State significant property
If your property is included on the Victorian Heritage Register, you join a select group of people who are the custodians of Victoria’s most significant heritage properties.
Your property is protected by the Heritage Act, which means you have legal obligations you should be aware of.
Minimum standards of repair and maintenance
The Heritage Act requires you to maintain your State significant heritage property so that it does not fall into disrepair and its conservation is not threatened.
In general terms, this means that the property has:
- weather and fire protection
- is secure
- essential maintenance is regularly undertaken
Heritage Victoria has prepared a useful guideline for owners which sets out our expectations on maintenance and repair of State heritage listed properties.
Page last updated: 01/02/24