How old is my house? You’ll probably know the answer if you’ve just moved into a new build. But many Brits aren’t aware of their home’s age. Sure, they will have an idea of the era, from Victorian to Georgian or pre- or post-war. But knowing the actual year is often another question altogether. And why would you want to know the age of your home? Is it a quirky fun fact, or is there significance that could help determine factors like property value? Here, we look at how (and why) you might want to know the age of your house.
How do I find out how old my house is?
If you’ve ever wondered about the age of your house, then you’re in luck. There are several ways you can find out how old your home is, and they don’t require a significant amount of work.
Check the title deeds
The title deeds for your property should contain information about when it was built. Getting this information might be a little trickier for older homes, but there should be enough information available to help. You can use the Land Registry to check the title deeds on your home.
Look for clues in the property itself to determine how old is my house
Look for architectural features or materials that may provide clues about the age of the house. For instance, Georgian houses are typically built of brick and have symmetrical facades, while Victorian homes are often made of stone or brick and have decorative details, such as sash windows and fireplaces.
Search online databases
Several online databases can help you learn more about your house’s history. The National Archives, for example, has a wealth of information about properties in the UK, including census records, maps, and other historical documents.
How old is my house: ask your local council
Your local council may have records of when your house was built and can provide you with more information about its history.
Consult a local historian or property expert
Try consulting a local historian or property expert if you can’t find the information you need online or through your local council. They could offer more detailed information about the history of your house.
What is classed as an old house?
There is no specific definition of what is considered an ‘old’ house in the UK. The age of a property can vary widely, depending on the region, the type of property and many other factors. For instance, the first homes built in newer towns may seem old compared to similar homes in the area. Yet, they’re relatively young in comparison to older neighbourhoods where homes have stood for hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for a general rule of thumb, houses built before the 19th century are often considered ‘old’, while those built in the 20th century are viewed as more recent and modern. However, this is a rough guideline, and many houses built after the 20th century are still considered ‘old’ by some people’s standards.
It’s worth noting that the age of a house does not necessarily reflect its condition or quality. Many older homes have been well-maintained and modernised over the years, while some newer properties may require repair or renovation.
What’s the oldest home in the UK?
The oldest house in the UK is Knap of Howar. Located on the Island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland, Knap of Howar was reportedly built in 3700 BC and is a Neolithic farmstead said to be one of the oldest preserved stone houses in northern Europe.
Why is it useful to know how old my home is?
Sometimes knowing the age of your house can merely be fun trivia, a curiosity you might have. But there are other times when its age can be more significant. Here’s why it’s helpful to know the age of your home.
Historical interest
Knowing the age of your house can help you learn more about the history of your property and the local area.
Property value
The age of a house can affect its value, especially if it’s a historic or period property.
Maintenance and repair
Age may be a suitable identifier for the type of maintenance a home needs. Older houses often require more frequent or specialised repairs due to their age, while newer houses may have different maintenance requirements and are generally more energy efficient.
Insurance
Some insurance companies may offer discounts for older houses, while others may charge higher premiums due to the potential for increased maintenance costs.
Planning permission
If you plan to make changes to your house, it’s good to know its age. This may affect whether you need planning permission or provide more specific details regarding planning.
Can I find out the exact year my house was built?
While you can get an idea of the period your house was built, finding the exact date will prove tricky. This is especially true if it’s an older home, as construction records for specific historical periods don’t always provide concrete information. They’re patchy at best.
Generally speaking, the best you can hope for is getting the first sold date, which is the time the house was first sold by the owner and bought by another home buyer. For newer buildings less than 50 years old, getting the exact date is easier than it is for older properties because there’s more available information. You can even contact the construction company if it’s still in operation.
Resources for searching UK house ages
Several online resources are available to help you research the age of your house. These include:
- The National Archives. A UK government agency that holds a wide range of historical records, including census records, maps, and other documents that may be relevant to your research.
- The British Library. Holds a vast collection of historical documents and books, including many that relate to the history of properties in the UK.
- Local council websites. Many local council websites in the UK have information about the history of properties in their area, including maps, census records and other documents.
Genealogy websites
Websites such as Ancestry.com and Findmypast.com often have access to historical records, such as census records, property deeds and other land information that provides valuable details about the age and history of your house.
Local history societies
Many local history societies offer a wealth of information about the history of properties in their area. They may be able to provide you with more detailed information about the age and history of your house.
A Property Report to find out how old is my house
It’s possible to find out the age of a house in the UK. By checking the title deeds with the Land Registry, looking for clues in the property itself and searching online databases such as the National Archives, you can get a better idea of your home’s age. It’s also helpful to get a Move iQ property report, which offers plenty of helpful details about a specific property so you can form a rounded opinion on the suitability of a home. It includes the title plan map, EPC, floor plan and more.
Last Updated: December 21st, 2022
