Fireplaces are dying out – and many homebuyers don’t care
Reddit discussions reveal fireplaces are falling from favour
A deep dive into Reddit threads by imaginfires.co.uk. shows the tide is turning against fireplaces. 46.2% of homebuyers think they are outdated, inefficient, drafty, or unnecessary. Common gripes include high maintenance costs and environmental concerns and don’t fit with sleek, modern home designs.
While 53.8% still love the charm of a fireplace, the reality is that they’re disappearing fast – and many buyers aren’t looking back.
Cities are turning their backs on fireplaces
If you want a home with a fireplace, don’t go househunting in Manchester or Liverpool. These cities have the lowest fireplace rates in the UK, with just 3.4% and 6.6% of homes for sale featuring one, respectively. Other areas losing their fireplaces fast include Medway (6.6%), Dundee City (7.4%), and Slough (7.7%).
Scotland isn’t keeping the home fires burning
Scotland’s cold climate has not stopped fireplaces from disappearing. In Dundee City and North Lanarkshire, fewer than 8% of homes for sale feature one, despite harsh winters in which temperatures regularly drop near freezing.
The southeast is following the trend
It’s not just major cities that are abandoning fireplaces. In Medway, Slough, and Bracknell Forest, fewer than 8.1% of homes for sale include one. New-build-heavy commuter towns are also abandoning traditional features, proving that the fireplace is losing its place even outside urban hubs.
UK areas with the fewest homes for sale with fireplaces
- Manchester – 3.4%
- Liverpool – 6.6% =2. Medway – 6.6%
- Dundee City – 7.4%
- Slough – 7.7%
- Halton – 7.8%
- Bracknell Forest – 8.1%
- North Lanarkshire – 8.2%
- Salford – 8.4%
- St. Helens – 8.7%
Rural areas are still holding on – for now
If you still want a fireplace, head to the countryside. Ceredigion in Wales has the most, with 48.3% of homes for sale featuring one. Derbyshire Dales (43.8%) and the Forest of Dean (42.3%) also continue the tradition.
With tougher environmental laws, rising energy costs, and modern builds dominating the market, even rural areas might soon see fireplaces become a thing of the past.
Credit https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/
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