Period Property Vs New Build – Which is Best?

house building essex colchester

With a plethora of modern housing being built to meet the demand of buyers, we decided to weigh up whether new build properties with the latest architectural insights were as popular as older, traditional properties. We have discovered that a large proportion of the population are quick to mention the adjective ‘period’ when describing their ideal and perfect home, alluding to the appeal of the character involved in a traditional property and its ability to radiate a homely ambiance.

A large percentage of the population would hasten to disagree with the viewpoint of attraction to period properties, citing these “second-hand homes” as “never ending money pits.” The increased likelihood of an older property needing renovation works is a major turn off for a great number of buyers, and a modern built property is also able to brag its energy efficiency with effectual insulation and double glazing, pointing towards a decline in the costing of bills.

The period fanatics are soon to counteract a modern property’s practicality by signalling towards their small gardens with no privacy from neighbours, as modern houses are often crammed in tightly together on a development. The ceilings are low and the rooms are thought to be smaller than the ones found in a traditional property, with the underlying factor of no character being found in a modern home.

The word ‘period’ has a tendency to be used in a very broad context, so what actually is a period property? Many think of the grandeur and neo-classical stylings, with clean, symmetrical lines of Georgian architecture, whilst others envisage the cornicing, bay windows and patterned brickwork from the Victorian era. Another share of the UK would argue that the light airiness of the Edwardian period is their definition of a period property. A preference in a particular era of period architecture is widely thought to be down to personal fondness and what makes you individually think of as home.

Both period and newly built properties have their advantages and drawbacks, but the underlying question of which is better really depends on a personal level as to what kind of property and lifestyle you are partial towards.

Josh Cousens – abbotFox

Alex Evans

You May Also Enjoy

Software & Tech

Software GDTJ45 Builder Problems: Causes, Solutions, and Best Practices

If you’ve been using GDTJ45 Builder software, you might have noticed it’s not always as smooth and reliable as expected. From installation errors to unexpected crashes and slow performance, many users experience problems that can disrupt workflow, delay projects, and cause frustration. This article will walk you through the most common GDTJ45 Builder problems, explain…
Read More
Breaking News

Developers draw confidence from improving lending landscape

Jonathan Samuels, CEO of Octane Capital, believes that improving conditions across the lending landscape have helped to boost developer confidence heading into a new year, despite a number of challenges still remaining, with specialist finance remaining a key weapon in their arsenal. The latest survey of UK property developers, commissioned by specialist lender Octane Capital,…
Read More
Breaking News

Happy New Year! UK construction performance finishes 2025 on a high

GLENIGAN INDEX: UK construction starts 2026 on a stronger footing with 2025 concluded with a significant increase in project starts during the Index period The value of project starts increased by 7% during Q.4, but remained 7% below 2024 levels. Residential construction starts declined by 2% in the preceding three months and by 20% against…
Read More
Breaking News

Prime London homeowners unmoved by mansion tax

The latest look at prime London property supply from Jefferies London has shown that the volume of homes priced at £2m or more listed for sale across Prime Central London (PCL) fell by -9.3% during the fourth quarter of 2025, but £2m+ homes still account for 35% of PCL stock. Jefferies London analysed current for-sale…
Read More
Breaking News

2026 Predictions for the Auctions Sector

Daniel Gale, Head of Auctions, First for Auctions, part of LRG “As we enter 2026, market conditions are expected to mirror those seen last year. Buyer confidence remains cautious, borrowing costs are still high, and lenders continue to tighten criteria. This ongoing pressure on private treaty sales is driving more sellers towards auction as a…
Read More
Breaking News

First-time buyer demand edges higher in Q4

The latest research by Yopa has revealed that first-time buyers are beginning to return to the market, encouraged by stabilising interest rates and the base rate cut seen in December, with demand edging higher during the final quarter of the year. Yopa analysed first-time buyer (FTB) demand based on the proportion of homes listed under…
Read More