Don’t the picturesque, old-world homes in historic districts have a distinct charm?
You know, the ones overflowing with character and whispering stories of generations past. Modern builds simply can’t replicate that.
Whether it’s the charming Craftsman bungalow with original stained glass or the gorgeous Victorian home with the wrap-around porch, it’s easy to fall hard for these architectural gems.
But before you let your heart take the lead, you need to know that historic homes come with their own set of quirks. Rules, restrictions, unexpected costs—owning one is a different ballgame. While these homes are full of charm, they also come with responsibilities.
So, if you’re dreaming of that perfectly imperfect historic home, here are a few things you need to consider first.
#1 The Quirky, Unwritten Rules of Renovations
Historic districts are not the Wild West of homeownership. There are rules—a lot, actually. 
Want to change that funky 1950s bathroom tile? You might need approval. Thinking about redoing the paint to your favorite shade of blue and going to town on the exterior? There could be restrictions.
Some historic districts are super strict about maintaining the architectural integrity of a home. Even minor changes can require permission from a local preservation board.
Take Naperville, Illinois, for instance. It has around 320 properties in the locally designated historic district.
Now, if you plan to buy one of the properties and wish to modify it, you’ll need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). This certificate will authorize plans for construction, exterior alteration, material change of the property, and demolition.
The moral of the story? Know what you’re allowed to do before you buy. Otherwise, you might be in for a rude awakening when you realize you can’t paint your front door without jumping through a hundred hoops.
#2 Insurance Because it Might Cost You a Bit More
You’d think insurance companies would love a well-built historic home, right? After all, these places have stood the test of time. But no.
Many insurance providers consider historic homes high-risk. According to CNBC, a home’s age, location, and condition make insurers label it a high-risk property. And that means higher premiums.
Why? Because if something goes wrong—say, a leaky roof or a busted pipe—you can’t just fix it with off-the-shelf materials. Nope. You might need period-specific wood, handcrafted trim, or specialty glass, which costs way more than modern alternatives.
Before you buy, shop around for quotes and find out exactly what’s covered. Historic home insurance isn’t impossible to get, but it does take some extra effort.
Or, you can simply obtain the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements or FAIR plans. Bankrate informs that it’s a government insurance program for people who fail to find standard coverage in the foreign market.
#3 Modern Updates That Might Be Essential
Part of the appeal of a historic home is that it feels like stepping into another era. But you know what’s not charming? A house that makes modern life hard.
Many historic homes were built before indoor plumbing was even a thing. That means you might be dealing with ancient plumbing, outdated electrical wiring, and zero insulation. Translation? Sky-high utility bills and a house that is either freezing or boiling year-round.
Then there is the HVAC. If your dream home has old-school radiators or a finicky boiler, you might want to budget for an HVAC upgrade.
And security? Historic homes weren’t exactly designed with modern safety in mind.
Bob Vila notes that driveway alarms and outdoor security cameras can alert you to the presence of visitors, but they won’t prevent them from trespassing.
If you have a driveway or a back alley entrance, installing an electric gate can add security and ease without disrupting the home’s historic vibe. Only authorized users can open or close the gate via keypads, smart devices, garage-door-style remotes, or keychain remotes.
Modern electric gates also come with sensors, says Novak Doors & Gates. Alarms and lights will trigger if unwanted guests try to sneak into your property.
Many companies now offer designs that mimic traditional wrought iron or wooden gates, so you can keep that classic look while still enjoying 21st-century perks.
Before buying, figure out what upgrades you’ll need and how much they will cost. That way, you can make informed decisions.
#4 Historic Tax Credits
Owning a historic home can get expensive. But you might be lucky enough to save a bit on taxes.
Many state and federal programs offer tax credits for homeowners who restore historic properties while maintaining their original character.
The National Park Service, for instance, offers a 20% federal tax credit to property owners who substantially rehabilitate historic buildings.
Before you start daydreaming about cashing in, there are strings attached. You’ll be eligible for it only if you rehabilitate it for commercial or income-producing use, such as rental residences.
State laws are different, however. Take California, for example. Local governments in the state participate in the Mills Act to offer preservation incentives to owners who rehabilitate and maintain historic properties. These can relieve some of your burden when it comes to restoring your home.
Just do your research beforehand. Check with federal and local programs to determine what incentives might be available to you.
#5 The Garden and the Responsibility It Brings
A historic home’s yard can be just as enchanting as the house itself. Often, there are mature trees, heirloom roses, and meandering pathways that seem straight out of a novel.
But do you know those plants might be protected, just like the house? Some historic districts have regulations about what you can and can’t do with your landscaping.
That beautiful old oak might be untouchable, even if it’s dangerously close to the roof. And if there’s a heritage garden on the property, you may be expected to maintain it in a historically accurate way. That could mean tracking down old plant varieties and learning vintage gardening techniques. 
Be sure to check the rules before you think about a backyard makeover. You don’t want to break a century-old tradition with a poorly placed rosebush accidentally.
So, is it Worth It?
Honestly? If you love charm, history, and a bit of adventure, a historic home could be a dream come true.
Just go in with open eyes, a flexible budget, and a good dose of patience. After all, owning a piece of history isn’t just about living in a home; it’s about preserving a story.