Period Charm still in Demand
October, 2015

Older properties with charm and character in Chelmsford and the surrounding villages continue to be a huge attraction to home buyers according to leading Chelmsford estate agents, Bond Residential.  

It is well reported that the UK is suffering from a huge shortage of homes for people to buy and we are inundated with registered buyers who are looking to buy the “quintessential Essex Cottage”. Graham Hughes, Director for Bond Residential says “Period properties are always in demand and always sell quickly but we are now finding that the acute shortage of such homes on the market means buyers will often be forced to pay over the asking price to ensure they secure their dream home”

For people looking to buy a period property Bond Residential offer the following tips:

• It is especially important to have a full structural survey before purchasing an older home to highlight any possible problems, paying particular attention to areas such as the roof, damp proofing, electrics and timber infestation
• If the property is listed, check with your local conservation officer what restrictions apply regarding home improvements or extensions. For example if the windows need replacing, you will probably have to replace with exactly the same materials
• For listed building, grants may be available for larger repairs through English Heritage but you must apply before you begin the work
• Look closely at the cost of insuring your home, particularly if it is a cottage with a thatched roof, as this may need special maintenance
• If the property is in a rural location it is important to check mains services such as gas, drainage and water
• Smaller cottages and period homes often do not have garages or off road parking. Think carefully before buying if these are important to you
• If you are thinking of moving to a rural location and have children, are the transport links, schools and other amenities sufficiently close by?

Graham Hughes added - Buying a period property, especially if it’s listed, can help to keep Britain’s national heritage. But if you buy a house in need of modernisation you must be prepared to put in a lot of time, effort and money to transform it into your dream home.

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