Rightmove has revealed the top five most popular period property styles in the UK, as searched for by house hunters on the property portal.
Data from Rightmove’s keyword tool, which allows users to narrow down their search results, has indicated that Victorian homes in particular is a big hit with home buyers at the moment.
Both ‘character’ and ‘period’ ranked in the top 20 when it came to popular search terms this year, indicating that potential buyers are prioritising traditional features, unique floor plans and loftier spaces.
‘Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas,’ says Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert. These homes are often showcased in hit TV shows, from Bridgerton to Downton Abbey and even The Crown, so it’s easy to see why a period house is at the top of the list for many.
These are the period properties that home buyers have been searching for the most over the past year:
1. Victorian
Victorian homes are the most searched-for property type, reveals Rightmove. Built between 1837 and 1901, when Queen Victoria was on the throne, Victorian homes are characterised by towering ceilings, large windows and high-pitched roofs, as well as original features such as stained glass windows, bay windows, tiled hallways, fireplaces, and decorative ceiling roses and cornicing.
‘Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors,’ explains Tim. ‘You’ll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links.’
2. Georgian
The Georgian period spans from 1714 to 1837, covering the reigns of George I, II, III and IV, and William IV. As a result of the long period, Georgian architecture can vary greatly. Generally, characteristic features include grand rooms and tall windows usually on the first and second floors (the owner and their family used to occupy the first and second storey of the house so these rooms tend to be more spacious), compared to smaller windows and lower ceilings on the upper floors (where staff typically lived).
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3. Edwardian
The Edwardian period was much shorter than the others, only taking place from 1901 to 1910. However, it did coincide with the Arts and Crafts movement, meaning an appreciation for handmade and ornate detailing. Compared to their Victorian predecessors, Edwardian homes are wider and larger, with more windows, grand porches, wide hallways, parquet wood flooring, red exterior brickwork and long front gardens set back from the street.
4. Tudor
Tudor homes are known for their iconic black and white timbers and thatched roofs. And while the original Tudor era ran from 1485 to 1603, many fall outside of this period. There are in fact many mock Tudor homes as a result of a revival in Tudor architecture in the mid-19th century. Features to look out for include leaded glass windows, large fireplaces, multiple chimneys and decorative black and white half-timbering.
5. Regency
For those who have been binge-watching Bridgerton, it’s no surprise that Regency-style homes has made the top five. The Regency era spanned from 1811 to 1830 in the latter part of the Georgian period when the Prince of Wales became the Prince Regent and later reigned as King George IV.
Properties in the Regency era combine a sense of grandeur with ornate features. Think classic and symmetrical with white or pale stucco façades, wrought iron railings, arched doorways and sash windows.
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Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
