If you find yourself moving into a listed property requiring renovation or alteration then you can't just start bashing away. Put down the hammer and get the paperwork sorted first. Repairs exactly matching the existing look of the property should be alright without LBC, but it is always wise to check.

The conservation officer at your local council is first port of call when enquiring about LBC. They should be able to tell you whether or not your proposed work needs permission and whether it is likely to be accepted. It takes at least eight weeks for a decision to be made following an application for LBC

If plans to alter a listed property are refused then you have six months in which to appeal. LBC is a serious business. If you carry out work without the proper permission you are guilty of a criminal offence punishable by a fine or prison sentence, and the local council will make you return the property to its original state.

Listed Property Owners Club

You should also do your research when hunting for architects, builders and suppliers. Some will have more experience and expertise in dealing with listed properties. Getting in touch with fellow owners of listed buildings is a good way to pick up recommendations. Again, the Listed Property Owners Club www.listedpropertyownersclub.co.uk is a helpful source of information and advice.

Even without the legal obligations involved in occupying a listed property, it makes sense to maintain attractive features and decorate sympathetically. This can pose a problem when you come to source materials for your DIY projects.

There are several shops specialising in fittings and accessories for the period home. Lassco in London is famed for its architectural antiques, salvage and curiosities www.lassco.co.uk. Here you can find anything from 17th century oak panelling to earthenware baths and gothic stone archways. Willow and Stone in Cornwall www.willowandstone.co.uk offers all sorts of period hinges, hooks, brackets, bells, buzzers, knobs and handles.

Be prepared to pay a premium for specialist materials and skills. Thatchers, for example, are in short supply these days and don't come cheap. Pest problems can add to maintenance costs, and older timbered constructions are particularly vulnerable to infestation. Allergy sufferers should beware: pollen, mould and spores are often buried deep in the fabric of older buildings.

It's a common perception that moving into an older property means giving up all the convenience and efficiency of a modern home. While you may find yourself struggling with damp and pests, you could be surprised by unexpected bonuses. A recent study from British Gas showed that older constructions, particularly Tudor properties, can be more energy efficient than modern builds.

Listed Property Owners Club

The survey found that Tudor properties leaked around ten cubic metres of air an hour while houses built in the 1960s leaked over fifteen. Tudor architecture uses a wooden framework of beams with spaces filled by wattle and daub or stones, making the building airtight and reducing carbon emissions. Older properties also tend to have less environmental impact associated with their construction, since materials had to be sourced locally.

Listed properties come with a unique range of quirks and perks. Owning a little piece of architectural heritage can be a romantic dream come true. Just remember that affairs of the heart come hand in hand with high costs, careful maintenance and complex legalities.