Revealed: The Top 5 Property Styles Loved by Home-buyers According to Rightmove

For many homebuyers, the style of the property plays a significant role in the decision-making when buying a property. According to Rightmove, Victorian homes remain the most searched-for property style on their website. But can you tell a Victorian from a Regency, and which period features steal your heart?

1. Quintessentially Victorian

Victorian homes, reigning supreme from 1837 to 1901, are synonymous with their ornate detail and deep historical roots. These properties capture the hearts of home-buyers with their intricate gothic-inspired facades and the unmistakable charm of sash windows and decorative brickwork. The interior of a Victorian home is a treasure trove of period features: from the high ceilings adorned with elaborate cornicing to the majestic fireplaces that serve as the centrepiece of each room. Original tiled hallways, stained glass windows, and detailed woodwork throughout speak volumes of a bygone era of craftsmanship and elegance.

The layout of these homes often surprises with hidden nooks and expansive rooms, providing ample space for modern family life while retaining a cosy, enveloping feel. Victorian properties are a canvas for those who wish to blend contemporary living with historical allure, offering endless potential to infuse personal style whilst honouring the architectural integrity of the past. The romance and depth of character found in Victorian homes make them a perennial favourite, embodying a piece of history that continues to inspire and captivate the imagination of today's home-buyers.

2. The charm of Georgian homes

Georgian homes are distinguished by their elegant simplicity and harmonious proportions, qualities that continue to resonate with today's home-buyers. They hail from the period between 1714 and 1830 and are characterised by their symmetrical facades and sash windows. Georgian properties exude a timeless elegance that is both refined and understated. The hallmark of these homes lies in their balanced design, often featuring a central door flanked by multi-paned windows, creating a welcoming sense of symmetry that is pleasing to the eye. Internally, Georgian homes boast high ceilings and spacious, well-lit rooms that convey a sense of airiness and grace.

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Original features, such as ornate cornicing, fireplaces with classic designs, and wooden floorboards, add layers of character and charm that captivate those who seek a home with a storied past and aesthetic appeal. The use of light and space in Georgian architecture promotes a serene and inviting atmosphere, making these homes highly sought after for their ability to blend historical elegance with modern comfort. The enduring popularity of Georgian homes lies in their unpretentious beauty and the seamless way they accommodate contemporary living while retaining their period character, making them a perennial favourite among property aficionados.

The regal grandeur of Edwardian residences

Edwardian properties were crafted between 1901 and 1910, bring a breath of fresh air with their spacious layouts and airy interiors, a delightful pivot from the more intricate Victorian style. These residences are celebrated for their lighter, more playful approach to design, embracing wider hallways and larger windows that bathe the interiors in natural light. The exteriors of Edwardian homes often feature a less ornate, yet equally charming facade, with red brickwork and mock-Tudor cladding being notably popular. A key characteristic of Edwardian architecture is its emphasis on comfort and leisure.

The decorative elements lean towards simplicity and elegance, with Art Nouveau influences bringing a touch of sophistication to the fireplaces and stained glass. Edwardian residences appeal to those who cherish space and light, offering a harmonious blend of functional design and aesthetic pleasure. The allure of Edwardian properties lies in their ability to provide a serene and spacious backdrop to modern living, making them a coveted choice for home-buyers seeking a touch of early-twentieth-century grace.

4. Stunning Tudor-style dwellings

Tudor-style dwellings, with their origins in the fifteenth and early seventeenth centuries, are immediately recognisable for their distinctive half-timbered exteriors, steeply pitched gable roofs, and tall, narrow windows. These historical gems convey a sense of fairy-tale enchantment, inviting home-buyers into a world where old-world charm meets the comfort of modern living. The dark wooden beams contrast strikingly against the white plaster, creating a visual allure that is both dramatic and inviting.

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Inside, Tudor homes often feature large fireplaces that anchor the living spaces, providing a cosy retreat during colder months. They are filled with imperfections, cute nooks, oak panelling and intricate detailing, evoking a sense of warmth and intimacy. The appeal of Tudor-style dwellings lies not just in their unique architectural features but also in their ability to transport residents to a bygone era, all while providing a canvas for modern personalisation and comfort.

5. The symmetrical beauty of the Regency period

The Regency period, spanning from 1811 to 1820, is renowned for its refinement and innovation in architecture, marking an era where symmetry and elegance were paramount. Properties from this time enchant with their distinct facades, featuring iconic white or cream-painted stucco fronts that gleam under the sun, and the iconic ironwork, often seen in balconies and railings, adding an element of sophistication. The Regency period embraced a sense of balance and proportion, with large windows designed to flood the interiors with light, creating airy and welcoming spaces.

Inside, the decor is marked by a blend of classical and oriental influences, with intricate mouldings and bold colour schemes that dare to charm and captivate. For home-buyers, the allure of Regency properties lies in their majestic yet inviting appearance, offering a taste of noble elegance combined with the comforts of modern living. This period style remains a testament to the timeless appeal of symmetry and grace in architecture.