Is a House Built in 1965 Considered Old?

The concept of old houses often varies widely depending on the time and location when they were built. A house from 1965 might be seen as old in some contexts but very much of its era in others. Let's explore this further.

Context Matters

Consider, for instance, the house you lived in during the early years of your life. This house was mentioned in the 'Doomsday Book,' which dates back to 1086, and apparently built around 1000 years ago. Compared to that, a house built in 1965 is practically a modern marvel. In such a context, 1965 just does not qualify as old.

Statistical Reality

In the UK, the median age for housing stock is 60 to 70 years old. With nearly 40 percent of our housing stock having been built before 1946, a house from 1965 is distinctly younger and thus generally considered modern. This statistic underscores that a house from 1965 fits well into the contemporary housing landscape.

Relative Perception

The term 'old' is highly relative. I recently purchased a house that was originally built in the mid-1960s. Although it appears old compared to a house from the 1990s, it is hardly ancient in comparison to an 1890s house. This perspective helps us understand that a 1965-built house is indeed modern within its own time frame.

Common Perception and Design

Due to the era in which it was built, a house from 1965 is often viewed as old. However, if designed and built with the contemporary trends of the time, it can be very much a part of modern homes.

British Context

In the UK, the oldest continuously occupied house is Saltford Manor House, a Norman house built in 1150. My first home was a 1960s house, which was still considered modern as it was post-war. This indicates that houses from the 1960s, while old compared to more recent constructions, are not as ancient as they might seem in the broader historical context.

Global Perspective

An anecdote by Reader's Digest provides a fascinating perspective. During a tour of colonial America, the tour guide pointed out that some houses were nearly 200 years old. A tourist from Syria, likely used to much older buildings, responded: 'Oh my. Wait 'til the people back in Damascus hear about that!' This highlights the varying interpretations of old houses across different regions.

Personal Experience

Reflecting on my current house, which was built in 1939-1940, it is certainly not old. It has had electricity and indoor plumbing since its construction. A house from 1965, on the other hand, would likely have had these amenities from the start, and might have even had central heating from the get-go. This contrasts with older homes that might have had these features added later, making the 1965 house seem more contemporary.