- The wide windows with large open panes flooded rooms with sunlight but were a terrible loss of heat and often had poor quality timber frames which easily rotted. The budget for replacing these if they are still in place but also be aware that as these houses were often the first to have double glazing fitted so the replacements themselves might require updating. Lintels above the windows on many 1950s houses were a concrete beam which was exposed on the outside of the house. These can be prone to cracking or shifting under uneven loads causing cracking which will need attention.
- Most houses had concrete roof tiles and these may be reaching the end of their expected life so it is worth checking for any signs that they will need replacement. Flat or shallow-pitched roofs were also widely fitted and need regular inspections to ensure the covering is sound and water is not pooling on top. Some were arranged so they slope down to the neighbouring property’s wall so it is important to ensure that the guttering here is clear and water is draining off properly.
- Ground floors were formed from concrete (timber flooring were popular in the 1950s but these were often only thin boards fixed to the concrete by battens and screed). Sometimes the hardcore below this contained waste from local industry to save costs but these elements when in contact with water like a leaky drain or a rising water table can cause the ground to swell and the floor to bow upwards. Check for signs of this bowing or cracking as repairing usually means excavating the floor and can be costly.
- In general, the experimental nature of many materials and types of construction means that it is worth checking locally for knowledge of any known issues with houses on a particular estate. There is no standard form of construction in this period and although most are sound they have issues which could be costly to repair. Hence although these are quite modern houses if you are in any doubt about proceeding with a purchase then pay for a detailed survey from a locally based company who may be familiar with these problem areas.
These properties are no longer deemed new but have not reached an age whereby they are seen as rustic or traditional so their appearance does not inflate their price.
They also tend to have a reasonable size plot with front and rear gardens, unlike many earlier properties, they have a garage, albeit in a separate block. The estates they were built on were often large and had local services like schools built close by, making them convenient for families. These factors, combined with opportunities for potential for strong capital growth in these properties, can help to make houses from the 1950s and 60s good value investments.
