Realtor.com
In the city that never sleeps, homebuyers are finding peace and quiet in a surprising place: English-inspired homes. According to a new Realtor.com® report on architectural styles, this romantic, historic design is more common in New York City than anywhere else in the country. And while the market is holding steady, it’s these character-rich homes that offer a distinct alternative to glassy high-rises.
In the spring, prices in New York edged upward—even as the city lagged behind the national average for appreciation.
English-Inspired homes stand out in New York listings
New York has the highest concentration of English-inspired homes in the country, making up 8.7% of the city’s active listings. These homes often feature steep rooflines, leaded glass windows, decorative woodwork, and cozy, tucked-away interiors. Many are Tudor- or Victorian-style and sit in quieter residential pockets across the boroughs.
The median list price in New York City in April was $1,549,500—more than double the national median for all single-family homes ($459,000) and well above the $634,900 national median for English-inspired homes. That tracks with the style’s luxury perception and concentration in high-cost neighborhoods.
“Tudor and English country-style homes attract well-educated, financially secure buyers who are drawn to storybook charm,” said Maggie Ives, Global Advisor at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “They want to feel like they’re living in their own private retreat”.
Old-school architecture with modern value
English-inspired homes are the oldest style nationally, with a median year built of 1927. In New York, many were built in the pre-war era and offer period details that today’s buyers covet, including original hardwood floors, ornate fireplaces, and intricate moldings.
These homes are also the largest, with a national median size of nearly 2,700 square feet—more than 600 square feet above the national average. That added space is a luxury in a city like New York, where square footage is always at a premium.
Over the past year, English-inspired homes appreciated 4.1% nationally, with a six-year gain of 27.0%. That slower long-term appreciation reflects their niche appeal—but in New York, their historic charm continues to draw loyal fans.
New York market finds spring stability
New York’s housing market remained stable in April. The median list price rose to $1,549,500, while price per square foot increased just 0.1%—well behind the 1.0% national monthly average.
Inventory is trending up. There were 6,680 homes for sale in April, an 8.9% month-over-month increase, and just slightly down from last year. New listings hit 2,058, up 10.4% year-over-year but down from March.
Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market—four days longer than the national average of 50, but still competitive for a high-cost city. The pace signals a healthy balance between buyer demand and available supply.
How New York compares to the National numbers
English-inspired homes are rare nationwide, making up just 1.5% of listings. In New York, their density reflects both architectural heritage and demand for homes with personality—especially in outer-borough enclaves like Forest Hills, Riverdale, and Midwood.
“For those drawn to charm, coziness, and a bit of fairytale magic, English-inspired homes tend to be the dream,” shares Phillip Gazca of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
Despite sky-high prices, New York’s market isn’t overheating. The city ranks 43rd among the top 100 U.S. metros for projected growth in 2025, with modest gains expected in both home prices (+5.9%) and sales (+11.0%).
As affordability pressures continue, it’s the enduring beauty and history of English-inspired homes that set them apart in a city that offers everything—except sameness.