The property market is currently filled with all manner of houses and flats of varying size and style. The property for sale today ranges so much that before buying, it is essential to recognise your own needs and especially your own budget before setting your heart on a particular type of property. Additionally, different properties will have a range of maintenance costs whilst modern flats, in complexes may incur a service charge on an annual basis.
In the UK today there are many different types of property for sale, ranging from historical cottages and manor houses, to mock Tudor houses and the sublimely stylish art deco premises of the nineteen thirties; in addition to these early buildings, there are also a range of newly built properties to suit the budgets and needs of home buyers. This article intends to highlight some of the differences between these properties to ease the decision making process for home buyers.
The UK is blessed with having many listed buildings for sale. These properties are graded in terms of age and historical importance and as such making alterations to a listed property is usually impossible. Those wishing to buy a listed property are often attracted by the charm and character of such homes; typically they have many period features like timber beams and open fireplaces. In some cases it is even possible to find a home for sale that has played a part in the country's history; these are often blue plaque buildings that have had a famous resident or are related to a specific event; for instance, in the sleepy town of Thaxted in Essex there are two blue plaque buildings, one was the home of composer Gustav Holst whilst the other was the place of the first Morris Ring meeting.
There are however disadvantages to owning a listed home, maintenance costs are typically high whilst heating bills in old drafty properties are equally as expensive. When looking at buying such a property, it is worth checking all of the sewers, foundations and electrics as in older homes these can be faulty.
Thatched properties are also prevalent in the UK. With so many for sale the appeal of having a quaint thatched cottage is strong with buyers. Thatched properties give a homely, comfortable feel and a picture postcard look. However it is worth remembering that owning a thatched property has its own disadvantages, the cost of replacing the thatch should be a concern although not a major one, these costs are often overstated.
The life expectancy of a thatched roof wholly depends upon the type of material being used, for instance water reeds, the most hardy of the materials used in thatching will only require a complete re-thatch every fifty years, whilst long straw, a less robust material may need replacing every fifteen or twenty years. That said, the roof may need maintenance work every decade or so to keep it in pristine condition. The major problem with the re-thatching process is finding thatchers to perform the task; understandably it is a dying art.
Georgian properties are also in abundance within the UK, with many for sale in urban areas of London and cities like Bristol, Bath and Edinburgh. These buildings have less of the problems of older houses due to the fact the materials used in their construction are considerably more robust. As the one time homes of many of the UK's cultural and societal elite they are opulent and highly attractive, usually spread over three or four stories including a basement.
The large windows make this type of property light and airy although when looking to buy a Georgian property the heating costs should certainly be considered, the large rooms and ineffectual insulation actively work towards making the houses colder. This cold atmosphere can make damp a problem so when looking around a property, looking for signs of damp should be performed.
Hopefully this article has highlighted some of the historical types of property for sale in the UK. With such a range on offer the home buyer has unrivalled choice in the types of properties to buy. However, as previously stated it is important to study your own budget and means before looking at properties, otherwise it is too easy to overreach yourself and find yourself heartbroken with a property you cannot afford.
Author Resource:
Real estate expert Thomas Pretty looks at different types of property for sale in the UK and particularly focusses on historical and thatched houses.
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