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

Breaking News

Almost £1.4m difference in property prices between the start and finish lines of London Marathon

The latest property market analysis from London’s number one lettings and sales estate agency brand, Foxtons, has revealed that there’s a difference of almost £1.4m in the average sold price from the starting point of the London Marathon and the finish line. As London’s largest estate agent, Foxtons holds an unrivalled view of the London…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Demand drops year-on-year for commercial property from high base

Three out of four of the main commercial property sectors saw a yearly decline in demand both in terms of leasing and investment in the first quarter of the year, amid speculation about interest rate hikes following the start of the war in Iran. According to Rightmove’s Commercial Insights Tracker for Q1 2026, the office…
Read More
Breaking News

Property market is improving

Property market is improving, but more sellers are cutting prices and withdrawing from the market The latest market data analysis from House Buyer Bureau has found that whilst the property market is showing signs of improvement, more sellers are still being forced to cut their asking price, endure a failed sale, or withdraw from the…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

How much to live along the London Marathon Route

Local lettings and estate agency, Kinleigh, Folkard & Hayward, reveal the costs to live along the iconic route – from the start in Blackheath to Greenwich all the way to Tower Bridge Sunday 26th April sees the iconic London marathon – the world’s biggest annual one-day fundraising event – return to the streets of London.…
Read More
Home and Living

FIVE food cupboard cleaning products that beat the branded – all under £1.50!

Use white wine vinegar to get rid of yellow pillow stains Many cleaning products Brits already have in their food cupboards Cleaning expert on five cleaning products that can help clean your bedroom From limescale to stubborn stains, many household messes can be tackled with items that are probably at the back of your food…
Read More
Breaking News

Taxing times for bereaved families as IHT receipts hit a fresh record

Inheritance Tax receipts for April 2025 to March 2026 are £8.5 billion, which is £0.2 billion higher than the same period last year. This surpasses the £8.2 billion recorded the previous year and marks a fifth consecutive annual record. Rising receipts come amid intensified enforcement and public criticism that the inheritance tax system is unfairly…
Read More