Various Australian and international studies suggest that heritage listing has a positive impact on property value.

However, the value of a property can be influenced by numerous factors such as market conditions, property size, property maintenance conditions, property location, local amenities, public transport availability and heritage classification to name a few.

Heritage significance means that a place has been identified as having ‘cultural heritage significance’ that may warrant conservation and protection.

Places are considered under the factors relevant to cultural heritage significance as developed by the National Heritage Convention (HERCON) or Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013 (Burra Charter criteria) and the following values:

• Historic value – it is significant in the evolution or pattern of the history of the locality
• Representative (Social) value – it is significant through association with a prominent person, community or cultural group in the locality or region for social, cultural, educational, or spiritual reasons
• Scientific value – potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the history of the locality or region
• Aesthetic value – it is significant in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by the community
• Rarity – importance in demonstrating uncommon, rare, or endangered aspects of local heritage.

The Heritage List only includes Category 1 and 2 places of cultural heritage significance recorded in the Local Heritage Survey. These places are automatically legally protected under the Local Planning Scheme and Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. This means that there are planning controls are applicable to the property and development approval will be required for the demolition or modification of the place. A Local Heritage survey on the other hand is an ‘information only’ document and does not have any legal powers. It is a requirement under Part 8 of the Heritage Act 2018 that local governments prepare, maintain and review a local government survey of places in its district that are, or may become of cultural heritage significance.

Any type of place can be nominated for the local heritage survey except for Aboriginal historic sites. Examples include:

• Archaeological remains
• Buildings, structures, other built forms, and their surrounds
• Equipment, furniture, fittings and other objects (whether fixed or not) that are historically or physically associated or connected with the land
• Gardens and man-made parks or sites; and
• A tree or group of trees (whether planted or naturally occurring) in, or adjacent to, a man-made setting.

There are four Heritage Management Categories, each with different implications for the place. An information sheet can be downloaded from the Document Library, which explains these categories in more detail.

Category 1 - Essential to the heritage of the locality. All places included in heritage list.

Category 2 - Rare or outstanding example. All places included in heritage list.

Category 3 - Very important to the heritage of the locality. Below the threshold for the heritage list.

Category 4 - Contributes to the heritage of the locality. Below the threshold for the heritage list.

The inclusion of a place on the LHS as a Category 3 or 4 does not prevent future modification or development. Any proposed developments or modifications are to follow the normal process as per the City's Local Planning Scheme No. 17.

The inclusion of a place on the Heritage List (Category 1 or 2 on the LHS) does not prevent essential future modification or development to ensure its upkeep, however, further information to justify the works may be required to ensure they will not detrimentally impact the place’s heritage significance and to demonstrate how these works will align with the heritage values of the site.

The proposed demolition of any place on the Heritage List (Category 1 or 2 on the LHS) requires development approval and will be assessed under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.17 and relevant planning policies that guide the development of a place of heritage significance. Should demolition be approved, the City will retain a public record of all places removed from the Heritage List and the reason for removal on its website in addition to an appendix within the Local Heritage Survey.

Demolition of places on the LHS that are Category 3 or 4 are to follow the normal process as per the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 17.

The City has several incentives for people who retain heritage places, which include:

• Rate concession; and
• Development incentives.

Residential Heritage Rate Concession

A 50 per cent residential rate concession is available for properties on the City’s Heritage List (Category 1 or 2), upon eligibility criteria being met and depending on the City of Swan’s budget. Building insurance and pest control certificates must be provided as part of the application for the rate concession.

The value of the rate concession will be adjusted if the owner is already receiving another type of concession. This will mainly apply to seniors and people receiving a pension.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, please select button below.

Development Incentives

Under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.17, the Council may, to conserve or enhance the place, give a special approval, benefit, allowance, or incentive, including but not limited to, the granting of density bonuses and the transfer from a place of cultural heritage significance or a conservation precinct to another place within the district of unused development rights.

The City strives to acknowledge Aboriginal history where possible, however, the identification of Aboriginal heritage is controlled by the State under different legislation. Places that only reference Aboriginal history are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. The purpose of this Act is to manage and protect sites of Aboriginal importance in WA.

Therefore, places of significance to Aboriginal communities may be recognised by inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey where their cultural heritage significance is also associated with post-colonial Australian heritage. Post-colonial Australian heritage refers to the historical period or state of affairs representing the aftermath of Western colonialism.

Anyone can nominate a place they consider as having cultural heritage significance. All nominations will be reviewed by the City’s Heritage Consultant, and if considered appropriate, will be assessed for inclusion on the Local Heritage Survey.

All landowners of nominated places will be notified if their nomination is to proceed to an assessment. Following the assessment, the City will advertise the draft document for public comment, make any finals changes, then take the draft document and comments received during the advertising period to Council to determine whether it is placed on the Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List if applicable.

• How Cultural Values are Reflected on the Housing Market
• The Impacts of Historic Districts on Residential Property Land Value in Australia
• Conservation of Australia's Historic Heritage Places
• Insuring, Buying and Selling a Heritage Place
• Heritage Designation and Property Values
• Historic Preservation and Residential Property Values
• An Assesment of the Effects of Conservation Area on Value
• The Market Value of Cultural Heritage in Urban Areas
• Heritage Conservation and Property Value