A recent study by property website Zoopla has revealed that owners of period homes in the UK have spent an average of £19,213 on maintenance and repairs since 2022. This equates to a monthly cost of £686, which is comparable to a small mortgage.
Period homes, defined as those built before 1919, are owned by more than 21% of British homeowners. These properties, known for their character and high-quality construction, require substantial maintenance, including roofing, brickwork, insulation, and electrical upgrades.
In contrast, owners of non-period properties have spent an average of £8,496 on upkeep over the same period. Zoopla’s research indicates that many period homeowners were not fully aware of these high costs before purchasing their property, with 22% admitting the expenses were unexpected and 25% expressing regret over the financial burden.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, emphasized the need for potential buyers to consider the long-term maintenance budget for period homes. Victorians, Georgians, and Edwardians are among the period property styles that require significant upkeep, with Victorian homes being particularly popular.
Overall, despite the higher costs, nearly three-quarters of period homeowners feel their investment is worthwhile due to the unique features and charm of these properties.