Period homes cost over double modern counterparts to insure

People living in period homes – usually defined as those built before the First World War – are paying 123% more for their home insurance on average than those who live in houses built after the year 2000.

That was according to research published today (24 April 2025) by Compare the Market, which revealed that period homeowners are paying on average £547 per year for cover, some £245 more than modern homeowners who pay just £302.

Tudor homes, built between 1485 and 1603, proved the most expensive to insure, costing on average £770 a year.

Stuart period homes (1603-1714) were the next most expensive at an average of £700 a year, while Georgian homes (1714-1830) were slightly cheaper at £551 per year.

Edwardian houses (1901-10) and Victorian houses (1837-1901) had the lowest annual cost, at £397 and £395 respectively.

Contemporary homes

Contemporary homes, on the other hand, averaged only £302 per year to insure. Compare the Market attributed this to factors such as modern homes having “up to date safety standards, while older homes may have potentially been constructed with electrical and plumbing systems that could now be outdated”.

Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “While period homes often possess great character and charm, our research underlines the importance for homeowners to be aware of the additional costs that can often accompany owning an older property.

“People living in a period home, or those considering purchasing one, should be aware of the potentially higher insurance premiums that typically come with owning an older property.

“It’s important for all homeowners to compare insurance policies of different providers online to help find the right deal at the right price.”