In basic terms, a ‘period’ home refers to a property built before World War I. They are distinguished by categories: Georgian, Victorian & Edwardian – depending on the monarch reigning in the year they were built. 

Period properties are hugely popular for a number of key reasons:

• The popularity of vintage & nostalgia
• Timeless style
• High build quality
• The ability to add value through renovation & restoration
• A distinctive English, cultural character

The demand for period properties means buyers will often pay a premium to purchase a desirable home.

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Georgian

If you prefer properties in proportion, you should consider a Georgian property. Georgian properties are formulaic and symmetrical, often built in identical rows, and boasting tall windows. They may have a Classical style, with some of the best Georgian properties featuring heavy black main doors framed by white stucco-rendered pillars.

Features:

• Vertical sliding sash windows
• Symmetrical design
• Brick walls
• Painted external brick work

When?

Built during the reign of kings named George 1714 – 1830

(the latter period of 1790-1830 is often called the Regency Period)

Where?

Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, Camden, Islington, Canonbury

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Victorian

Whilst popular with buyers today for their style, Victorian homes were generally built out of necessity rather than art. Between 1841 and 1901, the population of the UK more than doubled. The industrial revolution saw many people move to urban areas. This period therefore saw perhaps the most prolific house building period in UK history. There was a huge rise in space-saving terraced homes simply to house the burgeoning populace. 

The remaining Victorian properties today exhibit smaller bricks and large bay windows (possible after the removal of the brick tax in 1850). Interior Victorian features at the time focused on ornate fireplaces, skirting boards and coving. 

Within medium-sized homes, the ground floor would boast the main reception rooms or private family rooms. The kitchen was more often at the rear of the ground floor. In larger houses, the first floor remained the main entertaining space.

Features:

• High pitched roof
• Ornate gable trim
• Narrow hallway
• Brickwork porch

When?

Built during the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837 – 1901

Where?

West Hampstead, Willesden Green

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Edwardian

Edwardian properties are generally wider than Victorian homes, with larger gardens for parties. The properties were built with style in mind rather than the practical focus of the Victorian era.

As the middle classes moved out of the city into the suburbs, housing was built which reflected their changing priorities. Sometimes set back from roads with front gardens (unlike Victorian terraces), many Edwardian properties also made use of porches for additional privacy, while also bringing in more windows and wider hallways and rooms.

More wood was also used for styling, with parquet flooring inside and faux Tudor cladding on the outside.

Features:

• Outskirts of towns primarily (Zones 2-4)
• Large bay windows
• Front and back gardens
• Large rooms, high ceilings

When?

Built during the reign of King Edward (and slightly beyond), 1901-1918

Where?

Ealing, Putney, Richmond, Muswell Hill