Victorian homes reign as most sought-after period property style

The allure of Victorian architecture continues to captivate homebuyers.

New data from property portal Rightmove has revealed Victorian homes are the most searched for period property style in the UK.

Rightmove’s keyword sort tool highlights the wider popularity of historic and unique properties, with “character” and “period” ranking in the top 20 most searched-for keywords in property criteria this year.

According to Historic England, over a quarter of the British population live in Victorian homes.

Indeed, the reign of Queen Victoria saw the biggest building boom in UK history with more than six million houses built between 1837 and 1901, the majority of which still stand today.

Norwich is, of course, known for its great swathes of Victorian houses.

With the population of the city growing in the 19th century, massive slum clearance was undertaken and the plethora of Victorian terraced housing we see today was introduced.

In Norwich’s Golden Triangle, the old rural parish of Heigham was gradually urbanised.

This saw the construction of some better quality housing, especially along Unthank Road, Newmarket Road and Mount Pleasant, and the many rows of terraced housing behind.

Victorian houses tended to be built with good quality materials, including brick, stone and cast iron.

And with their spacious interiors, ornate facades, high ceilings, and intricate details, they continue to be seen as desirable places to live.

Today the properties tend to offer well-proportioned rooms and often the potential for renovation, extension, loft conversion and modernisation.

Rightmove suggests the success of TV show period dramas such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and the Tudors, also shows that the charm and character synonymous with period property holds a special place with Brits.

Georgian properties are the second most searched-for style, while the third most popular home style is Edwardian, followed by Tudor in fourth, and Regency homes in fifth.

Rightmove’s property expert Tim Bannister said: “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.”