It turns out that a name isn’t just a name—it could be the key to unlocking millions in value for your home. A recent study by property agents Savills has revealed an intriguing trend: homes bearing traditional names like The Manor House, The Old Rectory, and The Old Vicarage are not only fetching eye-watering prices but are also highly coveted by buyers.
Savills’ research dug into the archives, analysing Land Registry data across England and Wales, focusing on properties whose names resonate with echoes of centuries gone by. The findings? Homes that carry names linked to the feudal system, religious history, or even beer stand a notch above the rest in the property market, commanding significantly higher price tags.
The Elite of the Property World
At the pinnacle of this exclusive list stands The Manor House, with an average sale price soaring to £1,423,128. Historically, this title was reserved for the grandest abodes in the land, owned by the Lords of the Manor. Following closely is The Old Rectory, fetching an average of £1,301,424, a nod to the stately homes once inhabited by rectors, boasting Georgian, Regency, and Victorian architectural splendor.
A Ranking of Prestige
The study meticulously ranked properties based on their sale prices and historical significance:
- The Manor House: £1,423,128, with 43% of sales exceeding £1 million.
- The Old Rectory: £1,301,424, where half the properties sold surpassed the £1 million mark.
- Mallards: £1,164,150, a name that evokes an image of serene country living.
- The Old Vicarage: £1,086,887, reflecting its status as a smaller yet charming counterpart to the grandeur of manor houses.
- The Oast House and others follow, each with their unique appeal and hefty price tags.
The Legacy of Names
Lucian Cook, Savills’ head of residential research, highlighted the enduring appeal of these historical names. They not only reflect the property’s rich past and architectural heritage but also continue to symbolise high status, attracting modern buyers with a taste for elegance and history.
Phillippa Dalby-Welsh, head of Savills’ country department, added that the allure of these homes goes beyond their physical attributes. The names themselves—quintessentially English—offer a glimpse into a lifestyle reminiscent of period dramas, complete with sprawling gardens, high ceilings, and large windows. These homes, central to the heart of villages, embody the epitome of ideal country living, forever fashionable and always in demand.