City of London · housing and retrofit
The City of London has a small residential population compared with the boroughs, and most residents live in flats. The largest residential estates are the Barbican and Golden Lane, both of which are listed.
The City of London Corporation publishes listed building management guidelines for the Barbican, which explain which alterations need listed building consent.
Property types
Homes we commonly see in City of London
- Flats in listed post-war estates
- Flats in converted commercial buildings
- New-build apartments
Local considerations
What tends to shape retrofit here
- Listed building consent is needed for many alterations in listed estates
- Building-wide systems and fabric are usually controlled by the landlord or management
- Window and facade changes are tightly controlled in listed buildings
- Internal measures still need careful moisture and ventilation assessment
Planning rules, conservation area guidance and Article 4 directions are set by the local planning authority and can change. Check the current position with City of London Corporation before finalising external changes.
Making an enquiry
Enquiring from City of London
- Tell us which building the flat is in and whether it is listed
- Check the relevant management guidelines before planning alterations
- Mention the heating and ventilation arrangement
Services available
Services available in City of London
- Retrofit Assessment – find out how the home performs now and what limits what you can safely change.
- Condensation Risk Analysis and fRsi Calculations – check whether a junction or detail keeps internal surfaces warm enough.
- Heat Loss Calculations (and Heat Demand) – size heating correctly and understand annual energy need – two distinct calculations.
- Retrofit Design – measures specified as a joined-up package, with the junctions and ventilation thought through.
- All services