The enduring appeal of period properties continues to shape the UK’s property market, as recent data unveils a clear favourite period property type. The characteristic charm and unique architectural details of some of the UK’s most historic house designs have driven a significant search trend, reflecting an increased appreciation for properties with a story to tell.
This fascination is further bolstered by the popularity of period dramas, which paint these historical properties in an irresistibly romantic light. For example, television period dramas such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and The Tudors have significantly influenced this trend, cementing the appeal of historical properties among British property hunters.
As we delve into the specifics, one style stands out for capturing the imaginations of property investors across the nation, with the new data revealing a clear winner in terms of property searches, the Victorian-period property. According to fresh insights from Rightmove, the portal’s keyword sort tool has uncovered a growing search trend for properties featuring historic design features, with terms like ‘character’ and ‘period’ emerging among the top twenty keywords in this year’s property searches.
With Victorian properties taking the crown as the UK’s most searched-for period property type, the other top period styles include second-placed Georgian properties, Edwardian properties in third place, Tudor (4th) and Regency (5th). Each period brings a unique architectural heritage that continues to attract buyers and renters alike.
Join us as we explore five properties on the market today that celebrate each of the UK’s top historic designs.
1. Victorian
Known for their expansive interiors and elaborate facades, Victorian properties date back to Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901. They are the most searched-for period property type in Rightmove’s keyword search tool. Common features of a Victorian property include stained-glass doors, ornate cornicing, high ceilings, bay windows and original fireplaces.
5-bedroom Victoria property Bromley Common – £1,200,000
This five-bedroom, Victorian detached family home seamlessly blends period features, such as its classic Victorian exterior, a grand fireplace and cornicing detailing around the ceiling on the ground floor with a modern interior including an open-plan kitchen/diner, two reception rooms and an ensuite to the master bedroom. The property also benefits from a large 83-foot garden and a driveway with space for four cars.
Located close to highly rated Ofsted schools and Bromley South Station, this residence offers convenient access to local educational facilities and excellent transport links.
2. Georgian
Georgian properties are defined as those built between 1714 and 1830, during the reigns of Georges I-IV. Georgian period properties are characterised by their symmetrical designs, brick, stone or stucco exteriors, hip roofs with dormers and grand proportions, making them highly desirable for those seeking elegance, space and classical charm.
Grade II Listed Seven-Bedroom Detached Georgian Residence in Kent – £2,250,000
Great Walton is a Grade II listed country house located near Sandwich in Kent originally built in the 17th century. This detached Georgian residence features a red brick, tile-hung and weatherboarded exterior with extensions added in the 18th and 19th centuries. Spanning 4,962 square feet, the property retains a host of period features including original windows, detailed fireplaces, high corniced ceilings and exposed timber beams. The layout comprises a reception hall, four reception rooms with a billiard room and conservatory, a kitchen/breakfast room, cellar and attic storage areas. There are seven bedrooms in total, with the principal bedroom including an ensuite. The property also boasts a garden, swimming pool, tennis courts, a garage, a double carport and various outbuildings including a tractor shed.
3. Edwardian
Although the Edwardian period ran from 1901 to 1910, the architectural style continued until around 1920. With their mock-Tudor exterior cladding, wood-framed porches and light interiors including parquet flooring, Edwardian properties blend functionality with subtle elegance.
Edwardian Country Property in London – £1,200,000
This Edwardian terrace, located within the Lakes Estate conservation area in Southgate, North London, offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms across 1,982 square feet of living space. Its design includes many original features such as high ceilings and parquet flooring characteristic of the Edwardian period, complemented by modern updates that enhance its appeal. The property features an open-plan kitchen/diner equipped with high-end integrated appliances and a ground-floor shower room, along with a family bathroom and an ensuite on the second floor. Outside it also boasts a 102-foot secluded rear garden.
The house is positioned on one of the most sought-after roads within the Lakes Estate conservation area just 0.5 miles from Palmers Green Overground Station. It is also within walking distance of Broomfield Park and Aldermans Hill, which offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
4. Tudor
Tudor properties built between 1485 and 1603, are distinguished by their steeply pitched gable roofs, leaded windows, tall, narrow chimneys and elaborate timber framing.
Historic Grade I listed Tudor country house – £3,900,000
This historic Grade I listed Tudor country house, located in Hales Green near Norwich, boasts a rich history with its origins dating back to 1478 when it was constructed by Sir James Hobart. The property, which underwent extensive restoration in 1971 and further refurbishments more recently, includes a surviving wing of the original Tudor house. Set in approximately 9 acres of moated grounds, the estate features a main house with seven reception rooms and seven bedrooms along with additional structures like The Gate House, The Cottage and The Garden Rooms. Notably, the estate also includes the Great Barn, the largest brick-built Tudor barn in England at 184 feet, which has been restored and is used as a venue for events with current planning permission for up to forty-eight weddings per year.
The location of Hales Hall is ideal for those seeking tranquillity being surrounded by the natural beauty of gently undulating farmland and woodland. It is situated about 13 miles northwest of the cathedral city of Norwich and is close to the Waveney Valley market towns of Beccles and Bungay, each about 5 miles away.
5. Regency
Running from 1795 to 1837, the Regency era marks a distinctive period in British history characterised by the rule of the Prince Regent, who later became George IV and the subsequent reign of William IV. Regency properties stand out with their distinct white stucco facades featuring ironwork in entrances and balconies, large windows and interiors that are similar but generally less roomy than their Georgian peers.
Regency grade II listed townhouse in Edgbaston – £775,000
This Grade II listed townhouse in Edgbaston is a well-preserved example of Regency architecture dating from between 1830-1855. The property extends 2,635 sq. ft (245 sq. m) over three floors including a basement conversion. The property has been sympathetically updated with care taken to retain numerous character features including large sash windows, ceiling covings and fireplaces.
Located on Lee Crescent, a Regency-style crescent with houses on one side facing a tree-lined green, the property is set behind attractive mid-rise iron railings and benefits from on-road permit parking. It also features a private southwest-facing garden at the rear that includes extensive seating areas and well-kept tiered lawns that lead up to a summer house at the far end, which has the potential to serve as a home office or studio.
Tim Bannister of Rightmove, which conducted the research, commented: “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.”
Which British period style is your favourite?
