How history can add value to your house

Seasoned Bedfordshire based Estate Agent Simon Wilkinson of The Wilkinson Partnership gives us his insight

"Every year for over 30 years we have sold Victorian Homes for modernisation. They have usually been modernised and then re-sold. Time and again we have witnessed quick and cheap renovations resulting in the stripping out of original features that embody the character of the building and replaced with unimaginative modern fittings. Accordingly the resale price has rarely met the expectation and thus there is disappointment all round. There is no doubt that a quality restoration produces the maximum dividend. Irrespective if it is a small 2 bedroom Victorian cottage or a larger 4 bedroom detached Victorian house, we see them all. Many are wonderfully refurbished, where thought and attention to detail can be seen throughout the property. This results in a top price being paid by a grateful buyer. Using original or reproduction fittings in keeping with the style of the home enhances the saleability and value significantly. Today, buyers are far better informed and they demand a quality, authentic renovation."

Simon Wilkinson FNAEA, The Wilkinson Partnership

Simon Wilkinson FNAEA is Managing Director of The Wilkinson Partnership, a Multi award winning Independent Estate Agency with offices covering The Home Counties and Main Board Director of the Homesale network, a membership organisation comprising 750 of the leading Independent Estate Agents in the UK.