Period properties have always been popular, but the demand for them is soaring!

Despite new builds often boasting the latest in smart technology, the reality is most homeowners still want to live in a house with character. But you already know that, right?

Like that wine you’ve kept on the shelf for years, the value of period properties is only increasing with age. Features like fireplaces, bespoke flooring and period windows all help a house feel more like home to be proud of.

Like any fine wine, owning a period property is a pleasure, but sooner or later we all begin to wonder what it’s actually worth. In the case of your home, you may be asking this question because you’re thinking of downsizing to a property that’s more manageable, or you may just be curious.

Whatever the reason, knowing why your period property is so popular is the first step to deciding whether you hold onto that bottle of wine for a little longer or crack it open and enjoy the profits today.

What is Period Property?

When it comes to the definition of a period property, there are two ways to look at it.

One takes a literal definition, which is that period property are houses or properties built before World War I.

If you’re unsure whether your property fits this definition, a good way to start finding the answer is by considering where it is located. Period properties often enjoy prime locations because of their age, whether that be in a city or town centre or next to local gardens and parks.

Still, if you’re living in a period property now, you’re probably thinking there’s got to be a better way of summing up a period property.

Plus, there are many characterful properties out there that were built after the war, can’t they be period too? So another way we like to think of period properties is by the features it includes.

Fireplaces, large windows, high ceilings, hardwood floors and impressive staircases can all lend a period feel to properties built later in the 20th century. While these types of properties may not fit the dictionary definition of a period property, they are still in high demand among buyers.

So, What Type of Period Property Are You Trying to Sell?

In order to sell your property quickly and for a great price, you need to market it properly, and the type of period property you own impacts this significantly – from the type of buyer you target to how you conduct viewings.

While many period properties have similar characteristics, such as high ceilings and a great sense of space, they’re all unique in their own way and have their own history.

To help you get a sense of what will make your property stand out on the market, here’s a quick cheat-sheet on how to identify what type of period property you own and how to market it.

Tudor Properties

History: Ranging from 1485 to 1603, Tudors properties give a feeling that you’re stepping back in time. Glass was the latest innovation to hit the market, which meant owners took their windows with them when they moved!

Defining characteristics:

• White-painted wattle and daub painted walls
• Half-timbered
• Steeply-pitched roofs
• Small-paned windows
• Tall narrow doors and windows

Why buyers love them: When it comes to properties that were built over 400 years ago, there’s not that many out there. So, it’s no surprise that demand is huge for these antique pieces of property history.

Stuart Properties

History: The Stuart period ranged from 1604 to 1713 and signified the move to brick houses from the typical wooden-built style of the Tudors that saw 13,200 burn down in the Great Fire of London.

Defining characteristics:

• Symmetrical layout
• Flat-fronted
• Bare brick
• Elaborate fireplaces
• Richly plastered ceilings
• Spacious parlours
• Small rooms at top of the house (previously for servants)

Why buyers love them: Stuart properties set the standard for the English cottage style we’ve all grown up to love. Their rustic bare brick showcases their history while their beautiful fireplaces make getting cosy in winter a joy.

Georgian Properties

History: If Stuart properties discovered the value of brick buildings, then the Georgian period mastered them. Built between 1714 and 1837, these stylish properties embrace ‘classicism’ decor, which was heavily influenced by wealthy families taking grand tours of Europe.

Defining characteristics:

• Pediment features
• Tiled and hip roof
• Embellished cornices
• Designed with outstanding uniformity

Why buyers love them: The uniformity of a Georgian property makes them effortlessly stylish and imposing on the street. While they don’t shout loudly, their symmetry makes them stand out and gives any owner a property to be proud of.

Victorian Properties

History: With the industrial revolution redefining how people worked, it’s no surprise how they lived was influenced heavily as well. The rapid growth of population in industrial towns and cities saw a huge increase in demand for housing between 1837 and 1901.

Defining characteristics:

• Bay and sash windows
• Stand-out fireplace
• Patterned exterior brickwork
• Original floorboards
• Porches

Why buyers love them: The use of big, open windows allow natural light to come through, making the property feel open and spacious. The fact that many are terrace houses provides a more budget-friendly option for owning a period property and creates a larger market for sellers.

Edwardian Properties

History: With Victorian terrace houses being used by the working classes, the middle classes needed to do something to stand out. In response to the smoke of new factories, Edwardian properties were built between 1901 and 1910 to provide larger plots and airy homes.

Defining characteristics:

• Large garden size
• Rooms are fewer in number but equal in size
• Big windows
• Simple layout
• Caved veranda

Why buyers love them: Designed with social activities in mind these properties are perfect for growing families that enjoy entertaining friends. Their simple layout also makes it easy for buyers to put their mark on the house and still enjoy the historic features on offer.

20th Century Properties

So, we’ve already pointed out there are many properties out there that don’t fit the literal definition of ‘period’, but still have a lot of history and character to offer. These 20th-century properties come in all shapes and sizes and can encompass many of the defining characteristics we’ve already covered.

While these properties may not be seen as ‘period-like’ as their Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian counterparts, buyers still love them because they provide character that can’t be found in their new-build counterparts.

Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Period Property?

When it comes to whether now is the right time to sell your property, a number of factors come into play.

First and foremost, it’s important to think about the reasons why you’re considering the move. For many sellers of period property, moving is driven by the fact that maintaining the property has become too much of a burden, whether because of age, infirmity or a busy lifestyle.

While period properties are undoubtedly beautiful to live in, the realities of their age mean they often need additional upkeep. For example, you may find that you’re spending too much time and energy maintaining your well-sized garden.

Or, you may be thinking of selling your period property to unlock its value and move to a more suitable home for your lifestyle. In this case, the question becomes whether you’re in the right market to sell.

To answer that question, there really is no substitute for speaking to an experienced estate agent in your area.

While house prices are continuing to rise in England on average, they are dropping in London, where they fell by 1.9% in the last year.

This does not necessarily reflect the market further North, where property prices continue to rise, but it could suggest a dip in prices in the near future.

Of course, the main factor in future housing prices has yet to show its hand and yes, we’re talking about Brexit. While there is nothing concrete we can say on Brexit, it’s likely to have a significant impact on housing prices depending on the outcome. While it is difficult to predict what is on the horizon, it’s easy to look at what we have now. Demand for period properties in North Manchester are high and prices are strong.

So, if you’re considering selling your period property in the future, now may well be the time.

Thinking of Selling Your Period Property?

Now is a great time to consider selling your period property, but before you do, you need to know what it’s worth!

Our experienced team are on hand to help you understand what your property is worth, so why not get in touch with the best estate agents in Manchester to book your free property valuation today?

Don’t have time to give us a call? Discover what your property could be worth in under 60 seconds with an instant valuation online.