Period homes are often desired for their character and history, and with only 15% of homes in England and Wales built before 1919, they are relatively rare. However, their unique features, such as unconventional materials, outdated plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing, can increase the risk of damage and, consequently, insurance claims. According to our internal data, British homeowners are paying 123% more in annual insurance premiums for period homes than they would for contemporary homes built after 2000.
To help those living in or considering a period home, our home insurance team has researched premiums for various period homes, including Tudor, Stuart, Victorian and Edwardian. Using data sourced internally, the team has categorised home insurance enquiries by property era to reveal how home insurance premiums vary depending on the age of the property.
The average cost of home premiums by period home type
As our internal research shows that the cost of home insurance for period properties can vary depending on the era in which the home was built. Homes built before 1485, often medieval in style, are rare and typically constructed from timber frames with wattle and daub. The average annual premium of £487 reflects the challenges these properties can face, such as fire hazards from original thatched roofs or the specialised repairs required for a building this age.
On average, Tudor homes have the highest average annual premium at £770, or £468 more than the average premium for a home built after 2000, which cost £302. With black and white timber frames, steep roofs, and small-paned casement windows, Tudor homes can require additional cover, such as timber-framed house insurance or extra protection against water damage and fire risks.
Homes built during the Stuart period follow closely behind, costing £700 per year on average, with key characteristics such as elaborate fireplaces and wood panelling. Georgian homes, built between 1714 and 1830, come in at £551 per year, while Victorian homes (1837–1901) and Edwardian homes (1901–1910) cost £395 and £397 per year, respectively.
Period home type | The average annual premium |
|---|---|
Before 1485 | £487 |
Tudor (1485-1603) | £770 |
Stuart (1603-1714) | £700 |
Georgian (1714-1830) | £551 |
1831-1836 | £523 |
Victorian (1837-1901) | £395 |
Edwardian (1901-1910) | £397 |
1911-1999 | £325 |
Contemporary Homes (2000 onwards) | £302 |
* Please note that the above table does not include uncategorised homes.
Top tips for renovating your period home
Renovating a period home can be an exciting project, but it's worth considering not just the aesthetic and structural challenges but also the financial implications. Older properties often come with hidden costs, from specialist repairs to higher insurance premiums. Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market shares her tips for those looking to renovate their period property:
1. Find out if you are in a conservation area or a listed building
If your home has unique architectural features or historical significance, you may need approval from your local conservation office before replacing the original materials.
If your home is located in a conservation area, certain types of work may be restricted that may not normally require planning permission such as replacing doors or windows. To better understand what renovations are allowed, it’s worth contacting your local planning authority.
2. Use compatible materials to retain historical features
Some traditional buildings are made with natural materials that regulate moisture by absorbing and releasing it gradually. Using modern materials for repairs can trap moisture and cause damage, so it’s important to use like-for-like materials that match the original in both appearance and physical properties.
If identical materials are unavailable, the closest possible match should be used, or an alternative repair approach should be considered. In some cases, carefully selected modern materials can be beneficial if they help preserve more of the building’s original fabric, such as using stainless steel to retain historic timber in roof repairs.
3. Hire contractors with heritage building experience
Specialists with experience working on period homes understand traditional materials, construction methods, and conservation principles, ensuring repairs and renovations align with the building’s character. To keep your home’s period charm, look for professionals with relevant accreditations, recommendations from conservation organisations, or proven experience in similar projects.
Methodology
All data is sourced from Compare the Market.
Compare the Market’s Editorial Team is made up of industry experts with decades of experience in personal finance, insurance and utilities. Each of our authors has an area of expertise, where they can share their extensive experience to help you get a better deal, by finding the right product and saving money.
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