There are an estimated 500,000 listed buildings on the National Heritage List for England.

Listing is a way of protecting properties of architectural and historic interest for future generations, and they are classified into three categories, Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II.

Grade II listed buildings, which are deemed to be ‘of national importance and of special interest’, are the most common, accounting for 92 per cent of all listed buildings.

“One popular misconception is that alterations cannot be made to a Grade II listed property but this isn’t the case,” says Patrick Griffin, from the rural planning team at Savills Haywards Heath. “What it does mean is that before any building work can be carried out, listed building consent must be applied for and granted, so that the architectural interest of a building can be preserved and most importantly, enhanced.”

Hannah Riches, from the residential sales team at Savills Haywards Heath, said: “Though buying a listed building can be daunting, it’s important to remember that the additional effort required does also have its benefits. First and foremost, demand for period property does not seem to diminish and the preservation of character within a building will remain an attraction for future purchasers. This will ultimately contribute to the capital appreciation of the property over time. Equally, the fact that you have had to employ qualified craftsmen, working with appropriate materials, should ensure quality of workmanship.”

“Listed properties are an important part of our heritage and, as an owner and custodian of a listed building, you are helping to preserve their character for the benefit of future generations,” adds Hannah.

The following Grade II listed properties in Sussex are currently on the market through Savills:

Walnut Tree Cottage, Ditchling, East Sussex, guide price £950,000

A 16th century house in the heart of this popular downland village, with two reception rooms, four bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms, studio annexe, cellar, garage, paddock, swimming pool and about 1.2 acres.

http://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbhhrshys170132#/r/detail/GBHHRSHYS170132

Savills Haywards Heath 01444 446000

Chailey Moat, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, excess of £4,000,000

A beautiful and historic 16th century moated former rectory with four reception rooms and seven bedrooms. There is also a four bedroom 17th century tithe barn and a two bedroom cottage, all set in 44 acres.

http://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbhhrshys160079#/r/detail/GBHHRSHYS160079

Savills Haywards Heath 01444 446000

Rock Cottage, Slaugham, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, guide price £1,250,000

A superbly presented cottage in beautifully landscaped grounds, two reception rooms, four bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, cinema/office, garaging and gardens. In total, about 0.8 of an acre.

http://search.savills.com/list/property-for-sale/england/west-sussex/slaugham/rh17#/r/detail/gbhhrshys170155

Savills Haywards Heath 01444 446000

North Street, Petworth, West Sussex, guide price £2,150,000

Dating from the 18th century, North House is a substantial Grade II* listed town house comprising seven bedrooms, three reception rooms and a heated outdoor pool.

http://search.savills.com/list#/r/detail/gbpwrspsg170011

Savills Petworth 01798 345 980

Savills has dedicated rural planning, architecture and heritage teams with a wealth of experience in working with listed buildings. For more information, contact Patrick Griffin from the rural planning team on 01444 446023 or Ewan Stoddart, head of architecture, on 01798 345910.