Historic vs. Landmarked Homes: What’s the Difference in NYC?
When discussing older, architecturally significant properties, terms like "historic home" and "landmarked home" are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to two distinct categories of homes in NYC. Understanding this difference is key if you’re considering purchasing a unique property. Let’s dive into what sets a historic home apart from a landmarked home and why it matters to you.
What Makes a Home Historic in NYC?
A historic home is generally any house that has significant historical, cultural, or architectural value. It could be 100+ years old, built by a renowned architect, or maybe even connected to a famous person or event. Basically, a historic home is noteworthy because of its age and story.
However, not all historic homes are officially designated or protected. You could buy a home that’s been standing for centuries and is full of character, but it might not have any formal recognition or protection status. It’s still “historic,” but it doesn’t come with the legal strings attached that you might expect.
What Does It Mean to Own a Landmarked Home in NYC?
A landmarked home, on the other hand, is a step beyond just being old or interesting—it’s a home that has been officially recognized and protected by a governmental body, like the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) in New York City. Once a home is landmarked, it’s part of a legal framework designed to preserve its historical or architectural significance for future generations.
A home can be landmarked on two levels:
Individual Landmark: This is when a specific building or home is recognized as historically or architecturally significant. It could be because of its design, the architect who built it, or because of important historical events connected to it.
Part of a Historic District: Sometimes homes are landmarked because they’re located within a designated historic district. These districts are neighborhoods with many buildings that, together, represent a significant historical era or architectural style. Every home within that district is subject to preservation rules, even if the home itself isn’t individually landmarked.
How Historic and Landmarked Homes Differ in NYC
Now that we’ve defined each, here’s the key distinction: all landmarked homes are historic, but not all historic homes are landmarked. Let’s break this down even further.
1. Legal Protection
A historic home may or may not have legal protection. It could be old and architecturally significant but still be demolished or heavily altered if the owner wants.
A landmarked home, however, is protected by law. If your home is landmarked, you’ll need approval from the LPC to make any changes to the exterior. The goal is to maintain the historical integrity of the property.
2. Renovation Restrictions
For a historic home that isn’t landmarked, you generally have more freedom to renovate or modernize it as you see fit. Want to add a modern extension or change the windows? Go for it.
A landmarked home, on the other hand, comes with strict rules, especially when it comes to changes that affect the exterior. You might need to replace a window with something that looks exactly like the original or use certain materials to match the historic façade. The LPC oversees these changes to ensure the building’s historic character isn’t compromised.
3. Designation Process
Historic homes don’t go through an official process to be considered “historic.” It’s more of an informal designation based on age and significance. You could call your 200-year-old brownstone a historic home simply because it is.
Landmarked homes go through a formal designation process, often led by the LPC in NYC. The building or neighborhood is evaluated for its historical, cultural, and architectural importance before being given landmark status.
4. Incentives and Grants
Sometimes, owners of landmarked homes can take advantage of tax credits, grants, or other financial incentives aimed at preserving the property. These programs help offset the costs of maintaining and restoring a landmarked building, which can be expensive.
While there might be some state or local programs that apply to historic homes, unless it’s also landmarked, you may not have access to the same level of financial assistance or preservation funds.
Why Landmark Status Matters for NYC Homeowners
Owning a landmarked home means taking on the responsibility of preserving its historical significance. By adhering to strict renovation rules, you maintain the property’s character for future generations. The benefits include:
Prestige associated with owning a landmarked home in NYC.
Strong property value, often appreciating over time.
Potential access to tax credits and grants.
“Curious if your dream home might is landmarked? Book a Discovery Call and we’ll tell you. Contact us for a consultation to learn more.”
Can a Home Be Both?
Yes! A home can be both historic and landmarked. In fact, most landmarked homes are considered historic because of their age, architecture, or importance to the community. But remember, the difference is that the landmark designation adds an official layer of protection and recognition that a simple historic label does not.
Which One is Right for You?
If you’re in the market for an older, character-filled home, the decision between a historic home and a landmarked home largely depends on your personal priorities.
If you want the freedom to renovate and modernize as you please, a historic home might be more up your alley. You’ll still get the charm and history, but with fewer restrictions.
If preserving the home’s original design and historical significance is important to you, and you’re okay with navigating some renovation limitations, a landmarked home could be the perfect choice. Plus, you might enjoy the added prestige and potential financial perks.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between historic and landmarked homes is crucial in a city like NYC, where history and architecture meet at every corner. Whether you prefer the freedom of a historic home or the prestige of a landmarked property, both offer unique opportunities to connect with the past while creating a beautiful future.
“Looking to buy or renovate a historic or landmarked home in NYC? Contact us for a Pre-Purchase Consultation today to get expert advice on finding the perfect property.”
