This post looks at what a heritage house is and whether it’s something a buyer wants to take on. Although they take more work than the average home, heritage homes are one of a kind and cannot be replicated!
Jump to specific sections:
Should I buy a heritage property?
How old is a heritage property?
Is every old home a heritage property?
Can I renovated a designated home?
How do I know the status of a designated home?
Is a heritage house worth more or less than a designated house?
Is buying an older home going to become a money pit?
What is a heritage property?
A heritage property is one that has been preserved and protected by the local municipality, either for architectural significance or a notable prior owner. These homes require municipal approval for renovations or updates.
Should I buy a heritage property?
There aren’t that many designated heritage houses around. In fact, in Guelph there are less than 100 of them. They rarely come up for sale, are mostly detached homes and generally attract a lot of attention when they do.
If you want to demolish a designated heritage property and build new- that’s not going to happen. They are protected. However, a non designated property could be demolished if it meets certain criteria. In Guelph, that criteria is outlined here.
It states “Property owners planning to remove or demolish or a building or structure on these properties must give the City at least 60 days to consider whether long-term protection of the property should be sought through formal designation process.”
This article will talk about what exactly a heritage property is. It will also talk about some of the pro’s and con’s of owning a heritage property. As well, we’ll look at what the value of a heritage property is versus non heritage property.
How old is a heritage property?
Given Ontario’s history and the settlement patterns of the 19th and early 20th century, many heritage homes are in the range of the 1850’s to 1930’s. Guelph has many that are in this range, mostly located around the downtown area (related: best Guelph neighbourhoods)
Heritage properties are residential properties that are designated by the government. Most likely at the municipal level, these homes have a “special heritage interest”. This means that the municipality believes the local history associated to the home is valuable.
Is every old home a heritage property?
Definitely not. Like modern day building development, older homes had their own version of “cookie cutter” development. Downtown Guelph, you’ll find century homes lining streets. But only a fraction of these homes would qualify as heritage status.
Guelph has a database of designated homes. A heritage house holds no specific architectural significance except that it’s old- this is the key. Designated homes have significant or unique architectural design.
As an example, it could be due to the type of limestone used to build the foundation. Or, it could be an extraordinary example of a specific design era that is rare to find.
The property register may include important details about listed homes. This includes a description of the property, the unique attributes and any renovations in recent years.
It will also provide a statement explaining the cultural heritage value or interest of the property. As well, you’ll know what the protected elements are, and what you can do.
Should I buy a designated property?
If you asked Ryan, he’d say “absolutely!” Beth would agree too, though with a few reasonable caveats. Owning a designated heritage property is like owning a piece of Ontario’s history. Think of it the way classic car owners do: unique, beautiful and full of character, but definitely not maintenance-free.
Heritage homes aren’t for everyone. Renovating takes patience (and paperwork). Most changes need municipal approval and you’ll often be required to use specific materials that match the home’s original style. Sometimes, those materials don’t even exist anymore, which means you’ll be likely hunting for costly alternatives or specialists to recreate them.
On the upside, many heritage homes sit in Guelph’s downtown core, placing you steps away from cozy cafés, shops, and pubs.
The bottom line? A designated heritage house is like the next level up from a regular “old home.” Stunning, rare and rewarding, but also a little needier.
Can I renovate a designated home?
Renovating any older home can be costly, but with a designated heritage house, expenses can climb much higher. After all, you’re taking on a property that could be 120 years old, with decades of layered updates (or lack thereof).
Common issues to watch for include:
- Outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube)
- Chimneys needing restoration
- Hazardous materials such as asbestos or UFFI
- Poor insulation
- Foundation concerns
That said, owning a heritage property doesn’t mean you can’t modernize. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces can often be updated without issue. Municipalities generally understand that your home needs to be both livable and an investment. Heritage designation should feel like pride of ownership, not “homeownership handcuffs.” It’s about balancing old-world architecture with modern comfort.
Keep in mind, restrictions usually apply to specific heritage features, most often exterior elements that impact the streetscape. Major changes will likely require municipal approval, but day-to-day updates are typically manageable.
Our best advice: always consult your local municipality before starting major renovations. It’ll save time, money, and future headaches.
How do I know the heritage status of an old home?
If you would like to buy a property that has a designation, your Guelph real estate agent will help. It can be a detailed and unique process. If you want to buy a century home, but are afraid of buying something protected, your realtor should also be able to help. 90% of century homes are not protected.
Part of this comes down to communication by understanding what you plan to do with the property. Your Realtor should be able to give advice on what you can and can’t do with a specific home.
Is a heritage house worth more or less than non-heritage house?
Almost always, yes they are worth more. Heritage properties often attract higher resale values. The new owner knows that certain parts of the home are original. Further, the value of the homes around it is also likely to increase faster than the average.
From a physical perspective, investing in a heritage home allows you to secure an asset that you know is likely not going anywhere. Heritage designation can also lead the way with gentrification within a neighbourhood which, in turn, leads to rising property values.
On the other perspective, some people may see a designated home as a money pit. Or, a giant headache. Most homeowners buy a home because they want to put their own finishes on it. So, buying something that is protected would limit this from happening in some cases.
Is a buying an older home going to be a money pit?
Both a money pit and headache could be true. This is why it’s important to get the municipal heritage division on your side (ideally both before AND after purchase). Working collaboratively with them could help you save money and time.
Eventually you will probably want to sell. When selling your heritage home, having the “Description of Heritage Attributes” or a similar report on hand is helpful. This, along with details about any renovation work you undertook as the owner will help dispel any myths and concerns.
Questions About Buying a Heritage House? Contact Us
Get in touch with us! As Guelph Real estate agents, we help many buyers with older homes.
Related: This blog is part of a series: 16 Things to consider when buying an older home.