I agree with Graham. You wouldn't believe the difference that reinstating the original windows will have. If the building is Victorian it will have been designed with traditional casement or sash windows. You can now get timber windows with double glazed units so they look traditional but have the thermal and acoustic qualities of a modern window. They have also come down in price a lot.

Yes the original had sash windows throughout so it might be worth it, the only thing the estate agent said is that the removed the timber frames as they were exposed to south facing sun all day so the cost of reparis were large? hmmm.

A well maintained timber window, regardless of their position, will have a far greater lifespan than any UPVC product.

Exterior paints and finishes have come a long way in the last few years and last a lot longer than they used to. We provide all our windows and doors finished in 3 coats of micro-porous paint and offer an 8 year guarantee on it.

Timber sash windows are more expensive than UPVC but they also add a lot of value to your property and increase it's desirability for re-sale.

thanks and yeah i thought that might be the case and it's with the upstairs maisionette who have the same windows so they might say no. It wouldn't be a deal breaker though if not

It's a real shame when people replace wooden sash windows with upvc. As Jonathan says check with the freeholder & if budget permits replace with wooden sashes.