The popularity of London's Blue Plaque properties

 

We are regularly asked about London’s ‘blue plaque’ properties, how often they come on to the market and if they attract a higher premium as a consequence of their historical association.

There are a good number of blue plaque properties in London, many on buildings which were formerly houses and have subsequently been sub-divided into flats, such as Oscar Wilde’s house in Tite Street, SW3. We do see them coming to the market fairly often.

There is no doubt that they can be a plus to a purchaser, who feels that they are buying and living in a piece of history, which of course is one of London’s great strengths and attractions. The financial uplift, however,  is very difficult to attribute and would depend very much on the name on the plaque and its location. 

Bram Stoker’s (author of Dracula) former house on St Leonards Terrace for instance is theoretically worth no more with or without the plaque.  However, the cachet and ‘cool’ value would I am sure be a great attraction to some, because it is in an area where people can afford to pay more for something a bit special and the house is a well-known landmark on the street.

You can find out more about and search for blue plaque properties on the English Heritage website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/

 

Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2018