last updated September 28th, 2025
Cottages are often detached with land offering privacy and quiet. Some can be offered as holiday lets but many areas have increased Council Tax for second homes and holiday lets. If you want to buy, preparation is everything - some councils are considering restrictions to keep housing for local residents. If you plan to use the property as a second home check local policies.
Cottages often have solid walls with stonework and low headroom. Layouts can be different to modern homes with compact rooms, low ceilings, kitchens and toilets often small and added later to the original home. Storage space can be small.
Absolutely yes - surveys are essential. Select a surveyor with experience in older properties as they will familiar with problems such as damp, woodworm in beams or subsidence in older foundations. What are the different types of house buyers survey?
Remoteness can mean that mobile signal can vary and if thee is a telephone connection, it may offer ADSL or low fibre speeds - always ask about this before even considering an offer on a property - test it yourself if there is an internet connection already.
Older cottages can date back hundreds of years so some cottages are listed buildings meaning they are legally protected. This restricts what you can do. Extensions, alterations and even changing windows may require special permission from the local authority. When buying an estate cottage, check lease conditions.
Many older properties have little or no insulation and with solid walls any insulation must be on the surface. Oil-fired central heating is still common in rural areas not connected to the gas grid. Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and be realistic about what you can improve at reasonable cost.
Cottages can have higher ongoing costs than a modern house. Thatched roofs require specialist work and repairs are often using traditional methods, lime plastering, stonework or bespoke joinery which can be costly and time-consuming.
Cottages may be classed as non-standard construction by some insurers because of the walls or a thatched roof and premiums are typically higher than for a modern house. (Insurance - protecting your home)
Some cottages come with generous plots, while others offer little more than a patch of lawn or a strip of verge beside the road. Spend time in the area at different times of day. What feels quiet on a weekday morning may be busy on a Saturday night when the pub across the road is full.
Spend time locally before buying. Check shops and local services such as availability of a doctor.
For those wanting the essentials at a glance, here's what to think of :
Set out what you want from your dream cottage with our detailed list - CLICK to Download the House Buyers Wants & Needs Checklist
