Modern vs Character Properties: A Guide for Buyers

Modern vs Character Properties: A Guide for Buyers

When buying your next home, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a modern property or an older, character-filled home. Each option has its own unique appeal, but they also come with trade-offs that are especially important to consider if you’re a first-time buyer, a renovation enthusiast, or a property investor.

This guide examines the pros and cons of modern and character properties, helping you decide what’s best for your lifestyle and investment goals. With our expertise as RICS Chartered Surveyors, we’ve included advice about property surveys to ensure you understand the practical implications of each type of home.

What Are Modern and Character Properties?

Before we explore the benefits and drawbacks, it’s essential to define each property type.

Character property: Typically an older home, often built before the 1930s, with distinctive architectural features from a specific period. Examples include Victorian, Georgian, Tudor, and Edwardian homes.

Modern property: More recent constructions, usually built after the millennium, designed for contemporary living with modern amenities, energy efficiency, and better building standards.
Both types appeal to different buyers for various reasons, ranging from practicalities to aesthetic considerations.

The Pros and Cons of Character Properties

Pros
1. Historic Charm and Unique Features
Owning a character property means being surrounded by elements like exposed wooden beams, intricate mouldings, sash windows, high ceilings, and fireplaces. These features offer charm and individuality that modern properties often lack.

2. Investment Potential
Character properties often hold value well or even appreciate over time due to their scarce availability. Their historical and architectural significance makes them perennially appealing to buyers.

3. Connection to Heritage
Living in a historical home often provides a sense of connection to the past and the surrounding community. For many, this is an intangible but rewarding aspect of ownership.

Cons
1. High Maintenance Costs
Older properties can require extensive ongoing maintenance and repairs. From roof tiles to structural elements, maintaining traditional craftsmanship can be expensive.

Survey Tip: For older properties, a RICS Level 3 building survey is highly recommended. This in-depth survey can identify structural concerns and issues such as damp, timber decay, and outdated plumbing or wiring.

2. Energy Efficiency Challenges
Character homes are notorious for being less energy efficient, leading to higher heating bills and environmental concerns. Retrofitting can help, but it’s often costly to add insulation, double glazing, or renewable energy systems.

3. Space and Amenities
These homes may lack modern conveniences like en-suite bathrooms, open-plan layouts, or sufficient off-road parking. Limited space for extensions or renovations can also be a drawback.

The Pros and Cons of Modern Properties

Pros
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern homes are built to reflect today’s energy-conscious standards. Features often include high-quality insulation, double or even triple glazing, efficient boilers, and renewable energy options like solar panels and air-source heat pumps.

Survey Tip: Although new builds are designed to meet strict energy standards, it’s still worth investing in a snagging survey to ensure the developer has adhered to specifications, especially for large new developments.

2. Low Maintenance
With fewer years of wear and tear, modern properties typically require less maintenance. Very new homes can come with warranties (e.g., NHBC Warranty), covering major defects for up to 10 years.

3. Contemporary Living Spaces
Open-plan living spaces, multiple bathrooms, smart home integrations, are just a few of the design benefits of modern homes. These features make them ideal for today’s lifestyles.
Cons

1. Lack of Character
Modern homes, while functional, may lack the personality and individuality of period properties. Developers often use standardised designs across multiple homes, making them feel less distinctive.

2. Location Challenges
New residential developments are frequently located on the outskirts of towns with fewer transport links and limited access to amenities.

3. Structural Snags
Despite being “new,” modern homes are not always flawless. Poor workmanship can result in issues like misaligned doors, cracked plaster, or worse structural problems.

Survey Tip: A snagging survey is crucial for identifying these defects early, ensuring that the developer rectifies them before you move in.

Surveys Matter—Regardless of Property Age

While both modern and character properties have their own benefits and drawbacks, investing in the right survey is critical when buying any property.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey for Older Homes

Older homes often come with inherited issues, such as rising damp, weakened structures, or previous repairs that were carried out incorrectly. A Level 3 Building Survey provides a comprehensive assessment, particularly for properties over 50 years old. It highlights defects, recommends maintenance, and advises on required works, helping you avoid unforeseen expenses.

Snagging Surveys for Modern Properties

Modern properties aren’t immune to issues, especially on large developments. A snagging survey identifies minor and major defects overlooked during construction, from poorly fitted fixtures to inadequate finishes. Addressing these concerns early ensures your home is move-in ready and built to standard.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

When deciding between a modern or character home, it’s worth asking yourself the following questions:

• What’s your budget? Character homes often require additional funds for repairs and improvements, while modern homes may come at a premium for their amenities.
• How important is energy efficiency? If minimising utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint are priorities, a modern home might be a better choice.
• Do you enjoy renovation projects? If you’re passionate about restoring period features or tackling home improvement, a character property offers the perfect canvas.

Final Thoughts—Which Property is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a modern property and a character property depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. Modern homes excel in energy efficiency and convenience, while character properties offer charm, history, and individuality.

Regardless of which type of home you choose, consulting a qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor is essential to ensure you’re making an informed decision. A thorough survey can highlight potential issues, give you peace of mind, and even provide you with leverage when negotiating with sellers or developers.