{"id":74837,"date":"2026-05-06T09:02:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=74837"},"modified":"2026-05-06T09:05:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:05:34","slug":"buying-a-historic-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-historic-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Historic Home: What to Know Before You Buy and How to Preserve It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Buying a historic home<\/span><\/a> offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past, filled with character, craftsmanship, and architectural detail you won\u2019t find in newer builds. But along with that charm comes a different set of responsibilities, from understanding original materials to planning for ongoing maintenance. For many buyers, the key is learning how to preserve what makes the home special while still making it functional for modern living.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll explore what to know before purchasing a historic home and how to protect its defining features for years to come. From navigating local guidelines in <\/span>Alexandria, VA<\/span><\/a>, to restoring original details in <\/span>New Orleans, LA<\/span><\/a>, these expert-backed insights will help homeowners make thoughtful, informed decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article:\u00a0<\/b>
What is considered a historic home?<\/span>
<\/a>What to know before buying a historic home<\/span>
<\/a>6 tips for preserving a historic home<\/span>
<\/a>Final thoughts: Think like a steward, not just an owner <\/span>
<\/a>FAQs: Buying and preserving a historic home<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is considered a historic home?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A historic home is generally defined as a property that is at least 50 years old and retains notable architectural, cultural, or historical significance<\/b>. Age alone isn\u2019t always enough \u2013 many formal designations also require that the home maintains its original character and integrity. These homes often feature original materials, craftsmanship, and design elements that reflect a specific time period or style<\/span> \u2013<\/span> like <\/span>Victorian<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Craftsman<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Colonial<\/span><\/a> architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some historic homes are located within designated historic districts or are listed on <\/span>preservation registers<\/span><\/a>. While this recognition can offer benefits like potential tax incentives or grants, it may also come with guidelines on what changes you can (and can\u2019t) make<\/span> \u2013<\/span> especially <\/span>if local preservation ordinances apply or if the property is subject to specific agreements or funding requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what typically qualifies a home as \u201chistoric\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n