Sash windows are one of those features that people wanting a period home wouldn’t be without, but whether they add value depends on the condition and, increasingly, whether they are thermally efficient for a warm home.
It’s obvious that rotten wooden sashes will devalue a house and inspire low bids. But modern sash windows with double glazing and well-maintained single-glazed wooden sashes with drought-proofing can add value to a home by giving prospective buyers not just one less thing to worry about but a feature to adore.
How sash windows can add value to a home
Sash windows are synonymous with classic architecture, with their traditional styling and operable panes imbuing vintage charm. Solid wood sashes – and UPVC lookalikes – provide durability and aesthetic appeal alongside modern double glazing, which traps heat and can reduce heating costs by as much as 50% vs single glazing.
There are several other ways sash windows can add value to a home:
- Energy efficiency – Improved insulation and glazing reduces heating bills and eliminates cold spots.
- Enhanced security – Multi-point locks and modern, reinforced materials make windows more secure.
- Durability – Well-made wood windows last for decades with little upkeep, while UPVC sashes last two to three decades.
- Stability – Precision joinery prevents swelling, shrinking and drafts.
- Lower costs – Energy savings can reduce utility bills by over 40% yearly.
We estimate that replacing single-pane windows with new double-glazed sashes increases property value by up to 10%. However, the exact value added depends on:
- Window quality – Bespoke wood windows add more value, with custom sizes and details tailored to your home’s era having the most impact.
- Installation – Refurbishing the original window openings is preferred by lovers of period homes. The next best thing is like-for-like replacements.
- Home features – Sash windows complement period styling and can look out of place in modern builds. Any house built pre-1920 is ideal for sash windows.
- Materials – UPVC sash windows are the most efficient and low-cost option, but they are unlikely to be as appealing as wooden sashes.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect is matching the sash windows to your property’s era so that they don’t look out of place. There are three main types:
Georgian Sash Windows
The most iconic sash windows for Georgian-style homes are the symmetrical “six over six” style, featuring six panes of glass in each sash. This clean, balanced look epitomises the Georgian aesthetic. Larger “eight over eight” sash windows with eight panes per sash were also popular to allow more light into these grand 18th-century homes.
Victorian Sash Windows
“Two over two” sash windows were the quintessential style for Victorian homes, with their two panes of glass per sash allowing light inside. However, Victorian sash windows came in many configurations – single-paned sashes provided maximum visibility, while elaborate sidelights and transoms created an ornamental feel.
Edwardian Sash Windows
The most common sash window in Edwardian homes is “six over two” – six panes on the top sash and just two on the lower sash. This allowed lots of natural light while keeping the attractive divided window appearance on top. But Edwardian sash windows also came in various customised styles, from single-paned to multi-paned.
