Getting Financial Assistance for Home Repairs

Author: Jennifer Lowe

If you live in, or have recently bought, a listed building and wish to renovate it, you could be entitled to some financial assistance. The Historic Buildings Repair Grant was created to provide financial assistance for those who wish to renovate a building that is recognised as being part of the regions cultural or architectural history.

The reason the grant was first made available is because the costs involved in renovating historic buildings is substantially more than it is for a normal house. This is a result of having to use certain materials and employ workers that have specific skills and adopt certain techniques.

Who is Eligible For The Grant?

Firstly, lets take a look at the eligibility criteria for the repairs grant. Buildings that are deemed to be eligible must be listed on the Register of Buildings of Historic, Architectural or Archaeological interest.

If your property is listed then you can begin the application process. The first thing to do would be to prepare a list of the work you would like to carry out. The most important thing to remember here is that the more details you give the better equipped the board are when allocating the funds. If you think it is necessary to provide estimates or quotations from professionals, then do so, and in some cases it may also be useful to provide drawings or detailed specs.

Now, alterations to the property are not eligible for this funding. However, if you are making alterations alongside repairs that fall under the repairs grant remit then you are required to provide a drawing showing how the original building change or look like.

Before being awarded the funding, it is necessary that you apply for – and receive – consent or permission from the authorities if it is required.

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What Work Is Covered?

So what kind of work is eligible? Well, the scheme was introduced to help with the costs of restoring or repairing the original features that contribute to the character of the building. This might include original roofs, chimneys or dormer windows.

Work that is not eligible for financial aid include minor maintenance or decoration, alterations, plumbing or electrics, or any repairs that form a modest part of a larger conversion project.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

The Final Decision

There are a number of things taken into account when the decision is being made for awarding funding to applicants. Firstly, the building will be assessed as to its prominence and its overall importance to the region along with the architectural and historical value it may have. Other things may include the urgency of the work, the availability of funds and the significance of the work.

The funds available through the Historic Buildings Repairs Grant are limited so the maximum amount that can be received by any applicant is 40 per cent of the overall cost of the work that is to be carried out – up to a total of £10,000. It is important that you apply for the grant before you undertake any work on the building, if you start before this then your application could be refused.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →

44 questions

Ask Grants Expert a Question

GrantsExpert Editor 23/05/2026 at 9:18 am

@Mapo For a Grade II listed building, your first port of call should be Historic England, though their grants tend to target buildings at risk rather than routine repairs. Worth checking with your local council too, as some run heritage grant schemes or have conservation area funding, especially where the shopfront contributes to the high street. The Architectural Heritage Fund and local building preservation trusts sometimes help with mixed-use listed properties. Secondary glazing is usually acceptable to conservation officers and may qualify under ECO4 if you meet the income criteria, so give your energy supplier a ring.

Mapo 14/02/2024 at 10:33 pm

Owner of Grade II listed building. Building consists of a shop (commercial) on ground floor. First and second floor is residential. What is the grant availability for repairs or possible like for like replacement of single glazed heritage windows? Windows wood are rotting. We also would like to install secondary glazing for heat loss prevention. Thank you

daveblin 06/11/2023 at 4:17 pm

I live in a grade 2 listed building. An external retaining masonry wall (200 years old) is in danger of collapsing on to a main road and the council have asked us to repair/rebuild it. Is there a grant available? Thank you

Shaun 17/10/2023 at 10:43 am

Grade two listed 4 bedroom house in need of all sash windows repairing and the porch. In their chance of financial grants. Thanks

Niblo 11/10/2023 at 8:46 am

Hi I have had two strokes my wife has left me . She left to nurse our sick daughter who had had two heart surgeries and bowel surgery and says she is staying there .
Down to
My health and my prostate problems no libido for many years .We spent £80.000 repairing this house and still owe over £10.000 to our son .
Our wood floor has blown mainly in the lounge but bits in other areas to .
I wish to apply for help to repair this floor
It is now in a dangerous condition and is affecting my health and as I am unsteady on my feet being 70 and disabled after stroke
Along with other health issues badly need this help .
I simply can’t afford it and have our son to pay back first as well .
The builder we used has vanished heard he is now living in Spain owing to cost of living here . Please can you help me
thank you
Howard Williams
11 Benbow
Close
SKetty
Swansea
SA28LH

Cath 12/08/2023 at 11:03 pm

Hello I have a grade 2 listed house that is in desperate need of windows windows and a door as it’s rotting and full of condensation. Is there any financial support we can receive to support with this anywhere? Thanks

Jules 11/06/2023 at 8:05 pm

I have a grade 2 listed property, a crack has appeared in the chimney which is advised needs repair if I'm going to use the fire that it serviced.
Obviously to keep the house in good order it needs to be kept warm so I'll need to have a fire in the winter and with the increase in fuel prices an open fire is the only choice.
Would I be able to Apple for a grant for this.

Amelia 16/05/2023 at 10:13 pm

Hello, we have a grade II listed building and would like to replace the windows. They are falling apart, let heat out and have lots of condensation. Is there a grant that can help with this please? We would be unable to fund this alone.

vagabond 12/04/2023 at 1:27 pm

My property is an old victorian Police Station, which was originally 'B' Listed, then Grade II listed. It is now certified as 'A property of Historical Town Interest'. Unfortunately, what I thought was going to be a job to replace old broken and slipped slates, after the two most recent storms, I have ended up with a whole new roof having to be installed. As this was an emergency situation, the work had to go ahead immediately. My local council and my Insurance Company have been informed and Inspectors from both Departments have checked the work and been happy with what has been done. My query is this, am I eligible for any hellp towards the cost of this work, as I am on a basic state pension with limited funds.

Sam 22/03/2023 at 11:05 pm

Hi,

Our grade 2 listed flat from about 1740AD in the middle of a notably Georgian town centre has a main beam and roof failure. The last repair job on the beam has Victorian rivets.

I hope to get our lovely property on the Register of Buildings of Historic, Architectural or Archaeological interest in order to apply for the grant since our freeholder has decided that we are responsible for the repair, despite their renting out the ground-floor retail area quite independently of our dwelling on the first and second floors.

Thanks for the article! Here's hoping!

Sam.

Si 05/10/2022 at 1:27 pm

A farmer friend of mine owns Grade 2 buildings, the main house and one of the barns. Both beautiful buildings with Stone Tile roofs. The Barn roof is in a terrible state of repair, probably not touched for decades, certainly before he inherited the building. It is a great shame but I understand his predicament, the guy has no money, earns very little and has no intention of selling this farm, it has been in the family for generations. His neighbours very nice home which for some reason was built adjoining the barn (probably because it looked nice at the time) are understandably upset with the fact it is falling to pieces and are threatening legal action. I've not seen the letter, so cannot provide any details. He has said he will attempt to fix it, but I know his type of 'fix' and it will not be to the satisfaction of his neighbours nor Historic England. But with no money and no resources, he'll do what he can. I'd like to offer him some advice before this turns into a mess. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks.

Mivvi 07/09/2022 at 9:48 am

I have a grade 11* listed property. It needs some urgent repair to the roof, windows and the most terrifying thing for me is that at the side of the house there is a branch growing out of the brickwork. This in particular frightens me to death and I need to know what to do and if I can get some financial help.

Cat 17/05/2022 at 4:08 pm

Hi I have a grade 2 listed 3 bed house which is in need of some new window frames which I cannot financially afford. Would I be able to get some funds to help? Many thanks

Charlotte 26/09/2021 at 2:29 pm

I live in a Grade II listed house and my windows are in desperate need of repair /replacement. Does anyone know how I can get help with this in the Bedfordshire area please?

Ash 21/06/2021 at 12:36 pm

I have a grade 2 listed house in handsworth and the windows are in of urgent replacement does anyone know of any grants available to help

TC 17/06/2021 at 11:17 am

I have a Grade II listed building that needs to be rethatched.
As a wedding caterer I have been severely impacted by COVID restrictions and am on UC - is there a grant I can apply for to make sure roof does not leak and cause more damage. The thatcher tells me it is beyond saving at this time.

Charlie 27/03/2021 at 9:54 pm

We have a grade ii listed barn that will need the thatch ridge replacing in two years time, are we elegable for grant funding towards this renovation

Toby 02/03/2021 at 7:55 pm

I have a grade 2 listed house in Surrey and the windows are in of urgent replacement does anyone know of any grants available to help

Tish 18/02/2021 at 2:23 pm

Hi there, I’ve just purchased a grade II listed building - we’ve been the owner for 6 days and the garden wall has collapsed overnight. This is listed and now needs repair - please can you tell me if we are entitled to funding to help rebuild the wall? We had no sight of this prior to purchase. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

Polly Day 13/01/2021 at 11:36 am

Hello
I would like to purchase a grade II listed house. However, there is wood beetle infestation and damp in some of the rooms. Does anyone know if we would be entitled to a grant to aid these repairs?

CC 02/01/2021 at 12:06 am

I live in my husbands homeplace which is a listed building. It is freezing and smells damp we did get it damp proofed but it was a poor job. It costing a fortune to heat 3 floors! I am wondering would we be entitled to financial help to insulate the property?

Dripin 03/11/2020 at 11:50 am

My parter has been left listed 11* building from her dad but needs lot of work and shes run out of money to do all the repairs I wounded if you can help .
Regards
M harris
07557020385

Shanu 12/10/2020 at 6:30 pm

Hi
I have my mortgage house built in 1901.i have two young children one with special need
I have a leak in my roof and have leak from upstairs bathroom to kitchen and kitchen falling a parts
Did contact the council and no help at all
Any help can I get?

Ben 11/10/2020 at 5:18 am

Hi am wondering if there is any grants out there to help me I own 4 histic flats (over 150yrs old) and I need to get a some new windows as the outside siles are rotten and cracking away, and get some rewiring done as well, can you point me in the right direction to get any help with grants to get theses done please.

Wen D 08/09/2020 at 4:19 am

I live in a grade 2 listed cottage and there is a conservatory made of brick and glass on the end, which is documented with the council.
All the wooden framed windows in the conservatory are rotten and this part of the building is in urgent need of repair. Although this part of the building is not part of the original cottage, there is also a need to replace several other windows which are part of the original building Some of the beams are in need of restoration or replacement and there may be a need to reinforce part of the building with additional beams.
I have some savings but I will never be able to afford also this work without help.
What can I do?

N/A 08/09/2020 at 12:11 am

Hi I've always tired to Keep my home in a good condition however I really do need help with my kitchen the kitchen units especially the sink area is rotten and I'm also experiencing serious damp problems and under the sink is leaking. Is there any assistance i can receive to have a new kitchen ? Please advise

Michelle 26/08/2020 at 4:39 am

I just purchased a historic home which is built in 1910 in the historic district of Columbus Georgia I want to restore it to its original appearance and I need help doing that I would appreciate if you would consider me for a grant to do this.

Wilda 19/07/2020 at 1:27 pm

My mother lives in Gary Indiana, the house is almost 85 years old. In very bad shape.. leaking roof, broke windows, plumbing problem.. the list is long..
Main issue is the roof needs to be replaced and we can't afford it.. they are asking for 25,000.00 .my mom lives on social security that's it.Ww have to help her with other needs, food, utilities etc.. we can't afford a roof..I have tried the city of Gary for help but They are not taking applications.. I'm stock, this winter it's going to be terrible with a roof in horrible condition.
Help

Jon 10/07/2020 at 3:20 pm

Hi I live in a grade 2 listed pub. The previous owner stopped some of the windows for upvc I want to replace these and some other windows cost circa 25k. Any help avalible

Tails 11/03/2020 at 4:17 pm

I live in a c listed house in ayr
I need roof and chimney repairs
Is there a grant available for this
Cost is £1000

Tails 11/03/2020 at 4:14 pm

I live in a c listed building
Roof and chimney needs repair
Is there a grant for this
Cost is £1000

Samm6 15/01/2020 at 9:35 am

My father lives in a grade 2 listed cottage and the roof really needs repairing. He is a disabled pensioner. It is sinking and in urgent need of restoring. Is there any help available?

Liz 08/08/2019 at 6:31 pm

Iam 75 on low income.i need a grant to fix a leek in my roof are there any grants out there I can get

Paulo 17/05/2019 at 9:44 am

Hi am wondering if there is any grants out there to help me I live in my own house and I need to get a new roof and some windows as the outside siles are rotten and cracking away, and get some rewiring done as well, can you point me in the right direction to get any help with grants to get theses done please.

Caz 14/05/2019 at 5:12 pm

I desperately need some house repairs, in particular a new kitchen. Old one is falling apart and piping is broken under sink.

Just to see what help I can get please x

Marleycat1 29/03/2019 at 4:07 pm

Hi I live in a grade 2 listed building that was converted into flats 20 years ago .5 years ago there where roof works carried. And was paid for by the owners. We have now had another roof servay. And have said there is another 30.000 pounds of repairs required although we are all private owners is there any grants available to us thankyou

Oap 07/12/2018 at 12:38 pm

My roof is leaking badly and needs replacing. Is there any financial help I can apply for to help with the cost? I am a senior citizen on low income and own my home.

Kel 11/09/2018 at 1:52 pm

I live in a weather boarded grace 2 listed semi detached house and a lot of the boards on the house are rottening away we is causing water to leak into the gaps and is beginning to destroy the good parts. Just would like to know if we could get help financially to replace these boards and some of our windows are also rottening away with big holes in the frames. Please help with your advice.
Many thanks
Kerry

None 11/08/2018 at 11:28 am

Hi
Can you tell me is there a grant if you have lead pipe in the driveway.

GrantsExpert Editor 24/02/2017 at 10:22 am

The first place to try should be your district council. They will know of any grants available locally. Secondly check the Turn2Us website to see if any grants are available and to check that you are receiving all the benefits you're eligible for. Your energy supplier might also be able to advise whether there is anything available for heating/insulation at your type of property and in your region. It's also worth checking out Historic England for information as your building is grade 2 listed.

Slowworm 21/02/2017 at 12:21 pm

Please could you give me advice on renovation and heating grants Cornwall. I have a grade 2 listed property in a state of disrepair
Also I am disabled but do not need a grant to adapt my property. I am entitled to a government heating grant as I don't have any heating but my windows are very draughty.
I own my property.

GrantsExpert Editor 20/02/2017 at 12:38 pm

It might be worth her asking at her local council, to see if there are any regional grants available. The Turn 2 us website might also highlight anything she could be entitled to.

Rosy 18/02/2017 at 5:29 am

Looking for help for my sister , who is very unwell , the bricks have cracked in her back bedroom , where she cannot afford to put a window in unless a builder can put some lintels in to support the frame , this may not seem much to important to anyone else but please can someone help her please , not only the worry of the house mane calapsing , her health is not good her home is very cold with a constant draft and bitterly cold ....

Keg 27/01/2016 at 3:33 pm

Could you tell me if there are any grant for reroofing your home. I own my property and am 82yr of age. I live in the lower flat of a detached house and my previous neighbours recently took so long to appreciate they had dry that it spread to my property and cost me thousand of pounds to repair and took most of my savings.. Now the new upstairs neighbours have signs of dampness in the sitting room. On inspection in their attic, the roofer says there is considerable dampness and the roof needs completely replace. Can you let me know if there are any grants available for replacing the roof in North East fife. I live in conservation area.

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