Homeowners of period properties in the UK are paying significantly more for home insurance than those living in modern builds, new research from Compare the Market has revealed.
According to the comparison site, average insurance premiums for period homes—those built before the First World War—stand at £547 per year. This is 123% higher than the £302 average paid by those living in homes constructed from the year 2000 onwards.
The data highlights notable variations in insurance costs depending on the architectural era of the property. Tudor homes, dating from 1485 to 1603, are the most expensive to insure, with annual premiums averaging £770. Stuart homes (1603–1714) follow at £700, while Georgian properties (1714–1830) carry an average insurance cost of £551. Properties from the short post-Georgian period (1831–1836) average £522 per year.
Homes from the Victorian and Edwardian eras—built between 1837 and 1910—are less expensive to insure but still exceed the contemporary average, with annual premiums of £395 and £397 respectively. Homes built prior to 1485 cost an average of £487 to insure.
In contrast, modern homes benefit from lower insurance premiums, attributed to improved construction standards and modern safety regulations. These homes are also generally cheaper to repair, as they use widely available materials and do not require specialist tradespeople.
Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market, emphasised the need for awareness among prospective and current owners of period properties. “While period homes often possess great character and charm, our research underlines the importance for homeowners to be aware of the additional costs that can often accompany owning an older property,” Phipps said.
“People living in a period home, or those considering purchasing one, should be aware of the potentially higher insurance premiums that typically come with owning an older property. It’s important for all homeowners to compare insurance policies of different providers online to help find the right deal at the right price.”
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