How do I find out when my house was built?

Enter the postcode into this tool and select the address. The estimated build year or construction era is sourced from publicly available EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) data held by the government. For properties with no EPC on record, the age may not be available.

Why do insurers ask for the build year?

Insurers use the build year to assess the likely construction methods and materials used. Older properties may have solid walls instead of cavity walls, original wiring, or lead pipes - all of which affect the cost and risk of insuring the property. Knowing the build year helps insurers provide an accurate quote.

What if the build year is not available?

If there is no EPC registered for a property, the build year will not be available through this tool. In that case, the seller, local authority building records, or the Land Registry title register may hold this information. Newer builds or properties not yet sold may also lack EPC data.

How accurate is the property age estimate?

The age is an estimate based on the EPC record for that property. EPCs record the approximate construction date and are generally accurate to within a decade. If you need an exact build date for legal or insurance purposes, a professional surveyor or the local authority building control department can provide confirmation.

Does the age of a house affect its value?

Yes. The construction era can significantly affect value - period properties often command a premium, while homes built in certain eras may require more maintenance. You can check estimated market values using our free property valuation tool. The property age is factored in.

What does the construction type mean?

The construction type describes how the property was built - for example, cavity wall, solid wall, timber frame, or system built. Different construction types have different insulation properties and maintenance requirements. This information is useful for understanding heating costs and planning renovations.

Are older properties harder to get a mortgage on?

Not necessarily, but some lenders apply additional scrutiny to very old properties or those with unusual construction types such as thatched roofs or timber frames. It is worth checking the construction type alongside the build year, and raising any concerns with a mortgage broker before you make an offer.

What should I look out for in a pre-1930s property?

Properties built before 1930 are likely to have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which makes them harder to insulate and can lead to higher heating bills. Other things to consider include original or outdated electrical wiring, older plumbing, and the presence of lead paint or asbestos in certain fixtures. A full structural survey is strongly recommended for properties of this age.

Why does the build era matter when viewing a property?

Understanding the build era helps you know what questions to ask and what to look for on a viewing. Properties from different periods come with different strengths and weaknesses - from the quality of the brickwork to the likely state of the roof or insulation. Knowing the era in advance means you can focus your attention on the areas most likely to need attention.

How old is my house?

Free UK property age checker — enter a postcode to get the estimated build year and construction type for any home in England and Wales.

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Land Registry & EPC datasets current up to30 April 2026

How old is my house? It's one of the first questions buyers, sellers and insurers ask. Enter a postcode below to get the estimated build year and construction type for any home in England and Wales, using publicly available EPC data. Insurers in particular almost always ask for the build year before providing a quote.

How it works

Enter the postcode into the search box.
Select the address from the list.
View the property age band under the EPC section.

Checking when your house was built

When purchasing a property, it is common for insurers to ask when it was built before giving you a quote. You can use this service to get an estimated build date based on publicly available EPC records. It also helps you understand the typical risks and maintenance priorities for properties of that era.

Looking for other property information?

In addition to the build year, our free property reports include sold price history, EPC rating, planning applications, and more. Enter the postcode to see a full overview of any UK property.