A survey of estate agents by English Heritage shows that people value conservation areas because of their special character and appearance, that they are prepared to pay higher prices for properties in well-kept conservation areas, and that they want this local heritage to be protected for their own and future generations to enjoy.

A poll of estate agents was performed in the run-up to the launch of this year’s  English Heritage at Risk register.  Isle of Wight estate agents who took part in the survey were: Megan Baker Estate Agents in Cowes and Home Estate Agency in Ryde.

The focus this year is on Conservation Areas at Risk and English Heritage will be announcing the results of the first ever study into the condition of historic conservation across the South East.

It will also be launching a campaign to help residents and councils work together to improve these special places.

Examples of Conservation Areas in the South East include Central Oxford and Wallingford; Guildford town centre; historic market town of Dorking; Old Portsmouth, Portchester Castle and Castle Street; Canterbury City and Rochester City Centre; Romsey and Beaulieu; historic town centre of Newport and Carisbrooke, and North Laine and Regency Square in Brighton.

Conservation areas found to be at the highest risk of neglect, decay or being spoilt by unsympathetic changes will be identified so that local councils and communities can prioritise actions and resources to improve them. Examples will also be given of places where joint initiatives by councils and local people have achieved great results.

Now the views of estate agents have given added weight to the push to see our most cherished and distinctive neighbourhoods safeguarded. English Heritage teamed up with market researchers BDRC to quiz estate agents on the link between property values and conservation areas. The results show that of the 147 estate agents asked:

• three-quarters of estate agents believe that a well-maintained conservation area adds to the value of the properties within it – confidence in the area retaining its character and the attractiveness of the environment were the two key reasons cited
• 82% felt that original features tend to add financial value to properties and 78% believed they helped a property to sell more quickly
• nearly 50% reported that residential properties within conservation areas were selling for more than equivalent properties outside.

As well as identifying the chief threats to conservation areas, this year’s Heritage at Risk register will list for the South East all the Grade I and II* historic buildings at risk, all the scheduled monuments at risk, all the historic parks, gardens and landscapes at risk and even the registered battlefields and protected wrecks at risk – the most comprehensive picture yet compiled into the state of the regions heritage treasures.

Heritage at Risk is supported by heritage insurer Ecclesiastical, which is proud to be associated with English Heritage in its campaign to save the nation’s historic environment. More information here: English Heritage at Risk register.