How to prepare a period property for sale
England can be defined through our rich and colourful history. Part of our history can be seen in the 4,000+ beautiful listed properties throughout the country. When it comes to selling a period property, how can you ensure it is ready for the market?
Previous information and photographs
Any information you can find on your home will help us paint a picture of the story of the home. The reason period properties appeal to so many people is because they are attracted to history, and all the stories that come with the property. They want to be part of that story.
The idea of living in a home hundreds of years old fills many potential buyers with excitement, as they determine whether or not they want to play their part in its history, and put their stamp on it. The care that goes into maintaining a listed building is not for everybody, but those who take it on do so with pride. This will be evident in any previous pieces of information or photographs that you can find.
Many owners of period properties have old photographs that have been passed down to each owner. These are a fantastic tool to tell the story of a property, we love finding creative ways to include these in the marketing too.
Give Ale Cottage, Fordwich
This delightful four bedroom, Grade II listed detached house is the oldest property in the picturesque town of Fordwich, dating back to the 14th Century. Now for sale with Sandersons UK. View listing
Does a period property need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Most period properties are unlikely to be energy efficient unless they have retrofitted upgrades to perform their energy efficiency. The general understand is that listed buildings are exempt from them, however there are some exceptions to this so please get in touch with us if you are unsure.
Un-listed buildings do require an EPC to be sold, many buyers acknowledge what a period property isn't going to as energy efficient as a new property so a low rating isn't usually a deterrent for buyers. There are some cost effective improvements that can be made though, such as switching to LED lightbulbs or adding more loft insulation.
Making affordable improvements
If you are planning on moving soon we don't recommend undertaking any major building works, particularly for listed buildings as they need consent to carry out works that alter or extend your property. If you intend on developing your listed building this way, you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent from your local planning authority.
It is a good idea to walk around your home and complete any smaller DIY tasks, such as a lick of paint to freshen up the space. We also recommend decluttering, potential buyers want to be able to imagine living there, this is easier to do when there is less in the property.
The Old Bakehouse, Great ChartA charming 17th-century home with original beams, fireplaces & bakery ovens. Now for sale with Sandersons UK. View listing
Are there attractive features to display?
Period properties nearly always come with a unique and original set of features. Whether that be a gorgeous beam, original flooring, fireplaces, or unusually shaped rooms, there is always something to highlight when it comes to selling it. Many people prefer this type of home for that very reason, so if you do have something you want to highlight or display, think about how you might do so.
Much of this can be in simple interior design, or moving the furniture around to bring a unique corner of the house to life, which may even compliment the space that comes along with it.
Beams attract people who have an appetite for architecture that shows how the home was made, and they are usually kept as natural as possible. An effective way to bring these to life would be to keep the walls nice and light so the beam colours really pop, especially in photographs of your property.
The Lodge, Westbury Sub Mendip
Charming Grade II listed 2 bedroom cottage with period features & pretty cottage style garden with the most quintessentially English outlook toward the village church. Now for sale with Sandersons UK Somerset. View listing
