Confused.com analysis of quotes data from the past six months found the average premium for a home that dates back before 1900 is £347, compared to £158 for a new build.
Specialist home insurance is compulsory for listed buildings and if you're buying a Grade I property, you can expect to pay a whopping £565 for comprehensive cover.
But why, when it comes to insuring your home, does age matter? Here, Which? explains the factors which push the price of premiums up and offers tips on how to keep costs down.
undefinedWhy are older homes more expensive to insure?
Period properties are often coveted by home buyers because of their history and character, but also because they are relatively rare.
Government council tax statistics from 2024 found only 15% of homes in England and Wales were built before 1919. Historic England’s 2024 data shows there are over 370,000 listed dwellings in England.
Owning a slice of history means paying more for home insurance, however. That's mainly because older properties are generally viewed by insurers as being higher risk.
For example, there may be safety concerns over old electrical wiring, the plumbing may be outdated, or the materials used to construct the building are more flammable, such as wood or thatched roofing. They may also be more prone to issues like damp and subsidence.
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert from Go Compare, warns that the definition of 'old' property is still a bit of a grey area when it comes to assessing risk, but newer homes tend to be those which are better insulated, built with newer materials and are more watertight.
The comparison site's own data shows how the average price quoted for a combined buildings and contents insurance policy can differ according to age, even for homes that may be considered 'modern'.
The average cost of cover for a home built after 1989 is £208, but that rises to £212 for one built between 1970 and 1989. The cost climbs again for properties built before 1970, which are £228 on average to insure.
There are a number of other factors that insurers take into account:
High repair costs:Listed building restrictions:Location:Ways to cut the cost of insurance for older homes
Whether you are taking out home insurance on your first period property or renewing, there are a few steps you can take to keep costs down:
Always shop around
It's a bit of a no-brainer, but you should always compare and contrast policies before you buy. Price comparison sites that allow you to view multiple home insurance quotes at a glance are a good place to start. The main ones for insurance are Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket.
Find out more:Use a broker
In a lot of instances, listed or period properties can’t be covered under a standard insurance policy, or only at an extortionate price.
In which case, an insurance broker may be able to help. They have access to a large number of insurers and can tweak quotes to get the cover you need, while dropping the cover you don't need.
Get on top of maintenance
Keeping the property in good shape from day one can ensure small issues don’t turn into expensive disasters. It should also mean you make fewer claims and help avoid unwanted premium hikes when you come to renew.
Biba also advises owners of thatched properties to keep electrical inspection certificates and roof inspections current. Failure to provide these in the event of a claim could void a policy, meaning your claim would not be paid.
Find out more:Make upgrades and improvements
Insurers will see your property as less of a risk if it’s been upgraded. Changes to consider include retiling the roof to avoid damage from poor weather, rewiring old electrics and installing a new heating system.
Small improvements can make a big difference too. For example, smoke detectors are inexpensive but are vital if your home has features that may be considered a fire hazard - for example, if you have a thatched roof.
Pricey period properties can also be a target for burglars, with thieves assuming there are rich pickings inside. Unfortunately, older buildings - especially listed ones - have restrictions on what changes you can and cannot make, including security improvements such as fitting more secure windows or doors.
There are, however, some easy things you can do to keep your home safe, without breaking the rules. You could use discreet security cameras that attach to the door and can be controlled from your phone. Or even lay gravel on your footpath or drive - the noise of walking across this could deter burglars.
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