Top tips for restoring a Georgian townhouse to sell

The restoration of a period building is rarely a straightforward exercise, but a successful outcome should make for a profitable sale. If you are restoring a Georgian townhouse with a view to selling it in the not-too-distant future, then the nature of the restoration may differ slightly from what it might be were you restoring it to live in as your primary residence.  

However, we want to pass on these tips which will be relevant for any restoration of a Georgian townhouse.

Tip 1: Is the property listed?

The property won’t necessarily be listed just because it is Georgian. However, if there is a large number or grouping of Georgian properties in one area, then they might be listed or sit within a conservation area. If either is the case, you will be restricted as to what changes you can make. But this should not put you off carrying out the restoration. Indeed, restrictions exist to preserve the architectural integrity of such a building, so use any restrictions to your advantage, and be guided by them.

The property won’t necessarily be listed just because it is Georgian. However, if there is a large number or grouping of Georgian properties in one area, then they might be listed or sit within a conservation area. If either is the case, you will be restricted as to what changes you can make. But this should not put you off carrying out the restoration. Indeed, restrictions exist to preserve the architectural integrity of such a building, so use any restrictions to your advantage, and be guided by them.

Tip 2: Hire conservation specialists and restorers

Pick wisely when it comes to builders, restorers, tradespeople and designers. Always look to hire conservation specialists to carry out the work – professionals who have previous experience of restoring period homes and architecture. When working on any old property, wherever possible, the original features and materials should be preserved. A conservation specialist will know this and will know how to handle the quirks of a period building. To source professionally-qualified restorers and conservators, check The Conservation Register.

Tip 3: Work with an architect

If you’re carrying out a fair amount of work, such as reconfiguring some of the rooms or incorporating an extension at the back of the property, we advise hiring an architect with previous experience of working with older properties or listed properties. A savvy architect can make all the difference to the success of a restoration project, but hire someone with the vision to make the property the best it can be, who understands the scope of the work, and who is passionate about preserving the property’s unique heritage.

Tip 4: Focus on what buyers want

Georgian properties boast large, sash windows, so generally allow plenty of natural light to flood the rooms. However, some period properties can be dark in places, so when renovating, make sure lighting is considered carefully. Most potential buyers will be looking for a property which is bright, airy and light.

Tip 5: Restore and enhance any period features

The majority of buyers interested in purchasing a Georgian townhouse or other period home will be doing so because they like period features and the essential ‘character’ inherent in these properties. They may well have a passion for Georgian architecture and place great value on the simplicity of the proportions and symmetry of the rooms. Look to preserve, restore and enhance any surviving period features where possible, and work with your architect and specialist tradespeople to allow the property to shine.

Are you looking to sell your central London property? Whether it’s a Georgian townhouse or other type of property, if you have a property you’d like to sell, contact us today.