Victorian 1837-1901 / Edwardian 1901-1918
So many things to think about when making a decision to invest into a property. Market value, location, business plan, type of investment, size and regulations etc., are all the topics that are very well described elsewhere on the web, hence we will not discuss here. This article particularly aims to interrogate only one particular side – ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.
Evaluating properties from an architectural point of view can often be part of your due diligence exercise, from the information available online. If you are asking questions like: What are the hidden qualities that with little effort will allow you to boost the value of your purchase? How to make the right choice that will keep the property in demand at all times? What are the characteristics that can improve appearance and use of the existing space without remodelling?, then please keep reading.
However, before we attempt to answer those questions, it is very important to reiterate that your final choice should not be emotion driven. Property where you think you see yourself living might not exactly be the best choice, whereas the one which you feel is not your ideal home, after unleashing its hidden value can surprise you and bring higher returns. Frankly, do not be put off if the property you are looking at is massively cluttered. Contemplate and see beyond the chaos to discover the true potential.
Inherent assets that you should look for in real estate/terraced house:
1. Period property: Victorian or Edwardian
Generally, Victorian houses have more generous spatial proportions than homes of the later era. For instance, to compare the common case: ceiling height of up to 3.2m as opposed to 2.4m of current standards; or width of Victorian terrace internally usually is more than 4m, whereas the later terraces are usually up to 3.7m wide. It also usually has a double reception room as well as a feature fireplace in every room, which historically was often clad in terracotta tiles. On top of this, you might be lucky and find some original geometric terracotta tiles on the floor, which is typical for periodic homes.
2. Existing timber floor
Existing timber floor can bring you considerable rewards. There are two good opportunities: first, existing floor boards can be given another lifetime by sanding and finishing with either vanish or oil to look like new; or, secondly, reclaimed timber floor boards can be sold online starting from 10£ per m2, depending on the quality and type of wood.
3. Wide slot with stair oriented along the length not the width of the terrace
Orientation of the stair in the house has a significant impact on the layout and size of habitable rooms as well as spatial planning opportunities. There can be many more design solutions to re-zone the house to meet your specific aspirations when the stair is parallel to the long side of the house, and, ideally, is in a separate hallway. In the case where the stair runs across the width of the terrace, which usually happens in the narrower terraces, it essentially divides it in two, leaving less options for conversion of the space.
4. East-West orientation & South facing garden
Usual terraced house is designed to have kitchen, dining and bedrooms facing the garden. Having a South facing garden will make liveable areas of your house brighter and will allow you to enjoy both morning and evening sun.
5. Is there any dead space that could potentially become additional storage?
There can never be too much storage space, and spotting opportunities that are inherent to the existing building can substantially reduce the amount of clutter on show.
to be continued…