Owning a flat in Liverpool city centre

Flats are a big part of life in Liverpool. At the 2021 Census, almost a quarter of the city’s households (about 23%) lived in a flat, maisonette or apartment. If you own one, or you’re a director of a block, here is what’s worth knowing.

Heritage still matters

The waterfront was a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 2004 until UNESCO removed it from the list in July 2021. That didn’t change the protection individual buildings have under planning law. Works that affect a listed building’s character still need listed building consent, and conservation area rules still apply.

Liverpool has 36 conservation areas, covering 9% of the city and about 19,000 properties. In and around the city centre they include Albert Dock, Castle Street, Duke Street, William Brown Street, Rodney Street, Canning Street, Mount Pleasant and Stanley Dock. Some properties are also covered by Article 4 directions, which remove some permitted development rights. The council says boundaries are under review, so check its website before planning outside works.

If you let your flat: selective licensing

Liverpool has run selective licensing since 2015. The current scheme started on 1 April 2022, covers about 80% of privately rented homes in the city and is due to end in March 2027.

• If your flat is in the scheme area, you need a licence for each rented property.
• Licensed homes must meet fire, electrical and gas safety standards and be kept in good repair.
• Licence holders must deal with tenants’ complaints and anti-social behaviour.
• The full fee is £704. Lower rates apply in some cases, including a discount for several flats in the same block.

The council has a postcode checker to show whether your flat is covered.

What happens next? The council is consulting on a new scheme for 2027 to 2032 until 5 October 2026, and says no decision has been made yet. We’ll update this guide when it has.

Taller buildings and building safety

A building is a higher-risk building if it is at least 18 metres high or has at least 7 storeys, and has at least 2 homes. It must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator. If residents live in a higher-risk building that isn’t registered, the principal accountable person commits a criminal offence.

If your building is 11 metres or taller and has unsafe cladding, the government’s Cladding Safety Scheme, run by Homes England, may pay for the work.

Many leaseholders are also protected by law from paying for historical safety defects. With a qualifying lease, you pay nothing towards cladding removal, and other costs are capped. Our guide to remediation protections explains who qualifies.

Shops and bars downstairs

Many city-centre blocks have shops, bars or offices on the ground floor. Your lease should say how costs are shared between the homes and the commercial units. If it isn’t clear, ask your managing agent to explain the split.

How we can help

From building safety to service charge budgets, we help directors and owners keep city buildings safe, legal and well run, with a qualified team who explain things plainly. Book a call back or ask for a proposal.