Victorian homes are the most searched for period property style on Rightmove, according to data.
Property Expert, Tim Bannister, said: “Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas. Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors. You’ll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links.”
“London is awash with prime examples of Victorian property”, says Robert McLaughlin, of KFH. “From small, terraced houses to grand villas, Victorian properties have an abundance of character details that remain popular and in demand with today’s buyers.”
The industrial revolution led to a significant boom in housing production, and over six million houses were built during the Victorian period (1837 to 1901). These are the key features of Victorian houses that make them so desirable to potential purchasers:
Asymmetry – unlike in earlier architectural styles that emphasised symmetry. Victorian floor plans featured asymmetrically laid out and often irregularly shaped rooms in bays or towers projecting from the building and often created a unique floorplan.
High ceilings– most Victorian homes have high vaulted ceilings, often with ornate cornicing and picture rails. These aspects provide even the smallest town house with a grander and more spacious feel.
Grandiose design– the additional details and adornments of Victorian properties include stained-glass windows, decorative external ironwork, and a fireplace in every room. While this was the main source of heat in Victorian properties when they were built, they still make an interesting feature in the modern home.
Victorian homes are followed in popularity by Georgian, Edwardian, Tudor and, finally, Regency style properties. Period buildings tend to be more sought after compared to new build properties as they are architecturally more impressive and solid in construction. Here are the main features of these styles:
Georgian properties: (1714 to 1830) these properties are known for their very symmetrical layout, symmetrical windows and a door centrally placed in the front façade. These properties are less ornamental than most other period styles. Georgian properties were often built in long terrace rows. Another notable feature of many Georgian properties are their bricked up windows – due to the window tax that was in place between 1696 and 1851, that charged more for houses with more than ten windows.
Edwardian Properties: (1901 to 1910) the architectural style continued throughout the 1910s. Edwardian properties feature large and ornate porches and are often built with red brick. The garden is usually spacious, including the front garden meaning they are often set back from the street, making them more private.
Tudor Properties: (1485-1603) known for their steeply pitched gables and iconic black timber and white wattle and daub patterns on the façade. These properties have distinctive character and charm.
Regency properties: (later Georgian period) Echoing the symmetry of the earlier Georgian period, but with a focus on more curved and sweeping features, Regency properties usually have more ornate ironwork. Many of these homes tend to be town houses, as seen in cities like Bath or London.
Owners of larger, listed or period properties should have a Buildings Reinstatement Valuation
If you are the proud owner of a larger, listed or period property styles you should consider whether you would be fully covered if disaster strikes. Remember: you are responsible for the sum insured, not your insurance company.
Make sure your property is fully insured by asking our Chartered Surveyors for a Buildings Reinstatement Valuation. A Buildings Reinstatement Valuation will ensure you have sufficient cover for your insurance company to pay 100% of any claim. A Buildings Reinstatement Valuation could also be used for up to five years, subject to indexation by your insurance company as the benchmark value for your sum insured.
Having an up to date Buildings Reinstatement Valuation will mean you only pay for the level of insurance you need to rebuild your property in the event of fire or damage. Ensuring you have the right cover does not necessarily mean an increase in insurance premium – and it could even save you money if you’ve been over-insured in the past.
For more information visit: www.buildingsreinstatementvaluations.co.uk