Estate Agents survey results
How do Conservation Areas affect property values?
To find out, English Heritage asked market research consultants BDRC to conduct a national survey of estate agents.
The poll of 147 Branch Managers and Senior Negotiators came up with the following conclusions:
- Unsympathetic replacement windows and doors, particularly plastic/PVCu, is the single biggest threat to property values in Conservation Areas
- Poorly maintained highways or paving and unsympathetic extensions and alterations are also considered to be particular problems
- 82% feel that original features tend to add financial value to properties and 78% feel they help a property to sell more quickly
- Three-quarters believe that a well-maintained Conservation Area adds to the value of the properties within it. Confidence in the area maintaining its character and the attractive environment are the two key reasons.
- Residential properties within Conservation Areas tend to sell for more than equivalent properties outside a Conservation Area
- 82% of estate agents believe that few, if any of their clients have a reasonable understanding of the additional controls in Conservation Areas
Estate Agent Quotes
What is the single most damaging thing an owner can do to a historic property in a Conservation Area?
"Removing railings, removing gardens and replacing with paving for parking, painting over stone, putting in the wrong style of windows."
"Strip it of its original features, develop/refurbish it in an unsympathetic manner with no regard for its heritage. Not maintain it."
"Neglect it. Properties with period features in conservation areas need to be maintained to a high standard. If the owner neglects basic maintenance it can lead to a great reduction in value relevant to the cost of restoration."
"Remove all signs of its history."
For a copy of the full Estate Agents Survey, please email communication.team@english-heritage.org.uk
