The Resurgence of the...

The Terraced House - A Longstanding British Staple

The terraced house has deep roots in the UK’s architectural history, dating back as far as the 1600s when it was first introduced in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London. With their symmetrical design and efficient use of space, terraced houses quickly became a go-to solution for housing in urban areas. They provided a dignified alternative to the overcrowded slums of the Industrial Revolution, offering practical yet comfortable living arrangements for workers flocking to cities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool.

In towns such as Rugeley, where Victorian terraced houses are still a prominent feature of the local housing market, these properties once housed factory workers and their families.

Their typical layout - two reception rooms downstairs, two good-sized bedrooms upstairs (sometimes a third off the back bedroom or a converted loft) and a small kitchen or scullery to the rear - allowed for flexible living, even if modest by today’s standards. Yet despite their simplicity, they’ve managed to stand the test of time, evolving with the needs of their occupants.

Why Are Rugeley Buyers Rediscovering Terraced Houses?

Several factors are driving the renewed interest in terraced houses. One is price. As Rugeley buyers feel the pinch of rising interest rates and tightening budgets, many are realising that a two-bedroom terrace often offers better value than a similarly sized flat. Buyers are attracted by the fact that they can often have an entire house for the price of a flat, complete with a garden, their own front door, and no shared floors with noisy neighbours upstairs. These are benefits that flats simply can't compete with, especially in densely populated urban areas in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Post-COVID priorities have shifted the focus toward homes with outdoor space, and the humble terraced house often comes with some yard/garden space, even if it is usually on the small side. This is appealing not just to first-time buyers but also to those looking to escape the claustrophobia of apartment living. Additionally, the cladding crisis, brought to light by the awful Grenfell Tower disaster, has caused many to lose confidence in some modern flats, turning instead to the more traditional Victorian terraced home.

Another factor is the freehold nature of most terraced houses. Unlike leasehold flats, where buyers must contend with service charges, ground rent, and sometimes unreliable management companies, a freehold terrace gives buyers full control over their property, which is a huge plus for many.

Transforming Spaces and Adding Value

Terraced houses also offer a significant potential for customisation and renovation. Stories of buyers transforming run-down Rugeley terraces into modern masterpieces are increasingly common. I have seen many terraced homes with the addition of a contemporary extension, the homeowner has not only made the home liveable but has also increased its value significantly (although be careful you don’t spend too much as there is a ceiling price for a terraced house). For many Rugeley home buyers, especially those with an eye for design, these houses offer the perfect balance of history and potential for modernisation.

Extensions, loft conversions, and open-plan layouts are just some of the ways Rugeley terraced homeowners are reconfiguring their homes to suit contemporary lifestyles. These renovations often add both space and value.

The Rugeley Terraced ‘Scores on the Doors’

According to my analysis, terraced houses represent 18.7% of the homes in Rugeley - lower than the national average of 22.5%.

For comparison, Rugeley apartments/flats represent 9.9% of Rugeley homes.

Next, let’s look at the house prices of the Rugeley terraced home.

Between 1995 and today, the average price of a terraced house in Rugeley has risen from £38,650 to £151,500 (an impressive rise of 292%), interesting when the overall Rugeley average rise is 236%.

Finally, in the last 3 months the average Rugeley terraced home has taken 35 days from the property going on the market to achieving a sale, impressive when compared to 51 days for Rugeley flats.

A Bright Future for the Rugeley Terraced House

In conclusion, the Rugeley terraced house has never truly fallen out of favour. While it may have been overlooked at times, especially as modern flats and larger detached homes grow in popularity, the terraced house has always been a reliable, affordable, and adaptable choice for Rugeley and British buyers. With its combination of history, practicality, and untapped potential, it’s no surprise that this humble house is once again becoming a mainstay of the national housing market.

For first-time buyers, those seeking to downsize, or anyone looking for a flexible home with character, the terraced house may just be the perfect fit!