Living in a Listed Building

Owners of listed buildings have an obligation to maintain the buildings so that they do not fall into disrepair.

The owners must obtain permission from the Danish Agency for Culture for any changes to the buildings, including all repairs and restoration.

Permission is also required to mount an aerial or to place a sign on the façade. The Agency advises owners on such matters and may also grant funding for the restoration work.

Financial compensation

The state does not pay any compensation to owners of listed buildings. However, the owners have several opportunities for tax exemption as compensation for their higher maintenance expenses.

Sanctions

If a listed building has been changed without the permission, the Agency may order the owner to rectify the matter. This also applies if the unauthorised changes were made by a previous owner. In addition, the Agency may order the owner of a listed building to carry out necessary maintenance work.

Buildings owned by the Agency

In special cases, the Danish Agency for Culture may acquire a listed building if its existence is threatened by decay. The Agency owns a small number of buildings, all of which are being restored. If possible, they are sold again when the restoration has been completed.

Opdateret 24. March 2022

Public Access to Listed Buildings

Most listed buildings are privately owned and are not required to be open to the public.

Some publically owned buildings are accessible due to their function as museums, town halls, swimming baths, railway stations, etc.

In addition, many castles and manors in Denmark are partly open to the public, subject to an entrance fee.