The charm and character of a period property is hard to resist, as many, many readers of Country Life will tell you. But when it comes to the crunch, which style is the most desirable?
Crunch the numbers and it turns out to be Victorian homes that reign supreme: they are the most searched-for period property style, according to figures from the property portal Rightmove.
It’s easy to see why. Victorian homes tend to be spacious, with big windows and high ceilings. They’re big on design features: think majestic fireplaces, eye-catching tiled floors, pretty ceiling roses and delicate cornicing. And they have a reputation for being well-built.
But perhaps most of all, there's lots of them around. From big manor houses and rectories in the countryside, to terraced houses and converted industrial buildings in cities, buyers are not short on choice. The comparison with Georgian homes is obvious; relatively few remain, those that do are often larger, more remote and more expensive, and so in terms of pure search numbers, it's no surprise that people are seeking a house type that is more readily available and affordable.
None of that is to take anything away from Victorian homes, of course.
‘Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors,’ explains Rightmove’s property expert Tim Bannister.
‘You’ll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links.’ Who could argue with that?
Georgian homes are the second most searched-for style. Look no further than those picture-perfect rows of townhouses in the likes of Bath, Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh. So grand and so elegant, with their symmetry and sash windows.
Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons, points out that, post-pandemic, there was a slight spike in interest for Georgian properties as 'buyers were driven to find a house style that has a reputation for being more spacious and could accommodate a home office more easily'.
In third place are Edwardian homes, typically roomier and lighter than previous architectural eras. Suburban areas and commuter villages in particular often have plentiful examples of this type of period property.
Tudor homes, famed for their oak timber details, are the fourth most-searched for period property style.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Regency era. A Regency home is likely to fall into the ‘in your wildest dreams’ category for most people. In other words, they’re well above the average buyer’s price point. But in all honesty, if money was no object, who wouldn’t want a classic Regency home?
Whatever their era, period properties have long held a special place in our hearts. So it’s no surprise that the words ‘character’ and ‘period’ both make it into Rightmove’s top 20 most searched-for keywords this year.
The likes of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and The Tudors have no doubt reminded people of the charm of a period property. But have these buyers ever had to foot the bills for a large period property? They’re not cheap to run, to put it mildly. That’s the price you pay for starring in your own period drama.
Could using a buying agent save you money?
Buying agents excel at gaining access to houses of which there’s nary a whisper on the market.
Britain's most expensive street outside London, where homes average £2.6 million — and a bare plot is up for sale at £5.5m
Old Avenue in leafy Weybridge, Surrey, tops the list of the most expensive streets to buy a home outside the
After a quick house sale? Here’s where to look
The fastest-selling housing markets, the Easter spike in homes put up for sale, and the 10 most in-demand areas of
-
Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
-
Where in the world is this? — and other pressing questions. It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 14, 2025Test your general knowledge in Tuesday's quiz.
-
Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)
If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
-
A beautiful Victorian vicarage that was home to one of the Cadbury family heiresses is on the marketPenny Churchill tells the tale of Monks Bridge in Warwickshire.
-
An outrageously opulent mansion in London's answer to Beverly Hills, with a gym that 'wouldn't look out of place in a 7* hotel''One of the finest houses in St George's Hill' is on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look at what's on offer.
-
Six homes with fantastic features, from pools and paddocks to waterside settings, as seen in Country LifeOur look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a Chipping Norton farm and a Cornish dream home
-
Queen Victoria's chaplain's house on the Isle of Wight is for sale, and it's a riot of colour, charm and joyA stone's thrown from Queen Victoria's beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, the house where her chaplain lived is now on the open market.
-
An Art Deco masterpiece with five-bedrooms, a private pool, a cinema, a helipad and the ability to conquer oceansLady Christine is the very essence of opulence and could be yours for a cool €55.75 million.
-
The elegant 19th century townhouse where JFK and Jackie Kennedy dreamed of the presidency, and made their wish came trueThis beautiful five-bedroom house in Washington DC's Georgetown was once home to perhaps the most celebrated couple of the 20th century: John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy.
-
This five-bedroom thatched cottage in the Chilterns looks quite like Claudia WinklemanMuch like everyone's favourite TV host, this property is beautifully presented.
