Buying a Historic Home
2026
Older homes can offer character and charm that you just don’t get with newer construction. But buying a historic home can be more expensive and restrictive than you realize. Here’s what you should know.
The home may be subject to neighborhood restrictions
Some towns have zoning and planning commissions that, among other things, seek to preserve historic homes and neighborhoods. This means that renovating and altering a historic home—particularly its façade—often requires a separate layer of approval. If you buy a 100-year-old home, for instance, you may not be able to renovate it the way you want. Some landmark or historic districts have a huge amount of control over what homeowners can and can’t do with their properties. The net effect: Renovations and planning can take longer and cost more. If you’re buying a historic home you want to renovate, consult both an architect and town officials.
Recreating historic architecture can be expensive
Originally, contractors and homebuilders constructed Victorian homes with materials that aren’t usually in use today. So if you buy a Victorian in less-than-perfect condition, finding the wainscoting, picture rails, crown moldings and richly decorative and ornate features common in that architectural style can be challenging. Architectural salvage companies can track down these materials, but often at a steep cost.
Buying a historic home can subject you to a lot of repair and maintenance
If you want a historic home, you need a maintenance strategy. Unless you plan to do a major renovation or updates (subject to any landmark or historic area regulations), you must be ready to address issues that arise, such as broken systems or leaks.
Of course, no amount of time commitment or money will stand between history buffs and a historic home. They appreciates the architecture and know that intensive maintenance is par for the course. If you don’t have that appreciation, a historic home isn’t right for you.
