How to Tell When Your House Was Built by Its Style: A Guide for Selby & Goole Homeowners

One of the most fascinating parts of owning a home is uncovering its history. Whether you’ve just moved to the local area or you’re thinking of selling your property, knowing when your house was built can give you a real sense of connection to it and it can even help when it comes to marketing your home. At Jigsaw Move, your local estate agent in Selby & Goole, we often see buyers fall in love with a property not just because of its size or location, but because of its story. The good news is that you can often tell when a house was built simply by looking at its style.

Let’s take a little journey through the centuries of British housing and see which era your Selby or Goole home might belong to.

Georgian homes, built between 1714 and 1837, are the picture of elegance and symmetry. If your house has evenly spaced sash windows, a balanced facade, and perhaps a decorative fanlight above the door, chances are it’s Georgian. Many of these properties were built with fine brickwork and carefully proportioned rooms, giving them a timeless charm that still feels graceful today.

As the Victorian era arrived, from 1837 to 1901, homes became more elaborate and decorative. High ceilings, large bay windows, and ornate features such as stained glass and patterned floor tiles are all giveaways of Victorian architecture. In towns like Selby, Victorian terraces and villas remain some of the most desirable homes, offering a wonderful blend of space and character.

Moving into the Edwardian years of the early 1900s, houses took on a lighter, more spacious feel. If your home has wide hallways, red brick paired with white-painted woodwork, or a welcoming timber-framed porch, it may well be Edwardian. These houses were built with comfort in mind, offering bright and airy interiors that still appeal to modern families.

By the 1930s, the suburban semi had become the symbol of family life. Curved bay windows, stained-glass details around the front door, and generous gardens are all hallmarks of a 1930s property. These homes were built for practicality as much as style, and they remain hugely popular with buyers today.

After the Second World War, the need for housing meant that design shifted to something simpler and more functional. Post-war homes from the 1950s to 1970s tend to be boxier in shape, with large windows and straightforward layouts. While they may not have the ornate flourishes of earlier periods, their practicality and adaptability make them a blank canvas for modern living.

Finally, more recent homes built from the 1980s onwards are all about convenience, comfort, and efficiency. Double glazing, insulation, and open-plan layouts became the norm, while developers often blended traditional touches with modern finishes to create family-friendly homes.

So why does all of this matter if you’re thinking about selling your home? Quite simply, buyers love a story. A Georgian townhouse, a Victorian terrace, or a 1930s semi doesn’t just offer space, it offers character. Highlighting your home’s history and style can make it stand out in the Selby property market and help attract the right buyers.

At Jigsaw Move, we don’t just list properties, we showcase them. Whether your home is a cosy Victorian terrace in the heart of town or a modern family house on a new development, we’ll help you tell its story and reach the perfect audience.

If you’d like to find out how much your home is worth and how its style and character can play a role in its value get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation valuation.