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Buyers Want Original Features

  • 6 years ago

Research by DiscountFlooringDepot.co.uk has found that 82% of Brits would prefer to buy a period property. However, 69% of the 1,000 UK residents surveyed said they didn’t think they’d be able to afford one.

Period properties tend to be more expensive as they have added prestige and value, especially if they have their original features. These properties also tend to be in affluent areas where Georgian, Regency and Victorian properties abound.

Original features are where it’s at

The 1,000 survey respondents revealed what their most-desired original features were and it seems original windows topped the list. Next to this (presumably because those old windows are draughty…) are original fireplaces (40%) followed by real wooden floorboards or tiles (37%). When it came to features, cornicing and ceiling roses were most popular (26%) and original radiators (21%) were second.

Why do people love period properties?

These older properties have unique charms, as well as glamour, history and elegance. Newer properties, although they may be very well-insulated, can’t quite offer this to buyers.

Of course, many people prefer modern homes because they’re more comfortable and, well, modern. This doesn’t stop people from dreaming of an older house, though – the high ceilings, the huge rooms and spacious gardens, as well as quirky features like cellars and pantries.

These features come at a price

Even fairly dilapidated period homes have an impressive price tag attached to them. This doesn’t dissuade buyers, though, so if your older property is in good repair, you won’t be short of viewings and offers and you can be very confident about achieving your asking price.

A house for all seasons

The other good thing about period homes is that they’re so far removed from shorter-lived property trends and changes in buyer aims and sentiments. This means that no matter what’s going on in the rest of the market, a period property will always attract a lot of interest. Even the younger buyers fancy a period property, with 89% of Millennials wanting to buy one at some point in their lives.

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