Zoopla & Imaginfires: Fireplaces disappearing from UK homes, but buyers still want them

Fireplaces remain a highly sought-after feature among UK homebuyers despite their decline in modern homes.

New data from Imaginfires and Zoopla, combined with an analysis of homebuyer sentiment on Reddit, reveal that while fireplaces are disappearing from many properties, demand for them has not entirely died out.

According to Imaginfires, over half of homebuyers (53.8%) still consider fireplaces an important feature.

Many seek them for the cosy ambience they create. However, their practicality, maintenance challenges, and environmental regulations contribute to their gradual disappearance in some areas.

The data also reveals regional differences in fireplace availability across properties for sale in the UK. Rural and ex-mining areas continue to feature fireplaces in many properties, while urban areas are increasingly moving away from them.

Where are fireplaces still burning bright – and where are they disappearing fast?

🔥 Hotspots for fireplace lovers:

• Ceredigion: Nearly 1 in 2 homes (48.3%) for sale feature a fireplace.
• Derbyshire Dales: 43.8% of homes for sale still have a fireplace.
• Forest of Dean: 42.3% of homes in this area feature a fireplace.

These rural regions tend to have colder winters and a stronger cultural attachment to fireplaces, making them a coveted feature.

❄️ Cooling off in urban areas:

• Manchester: Only 3.4% of homes on the market feature a fireplace.
• Liverpool: 6.6% of homes listed for sale have a fireplace.
• Medway: Just 6.6% of properties for sale feature a fireplace.

Urban areas increasingly favour central heating, space-efficient designs, and modern energy alternatives, leading to the decline of traditional fireplaces.

The top 10 areas in the UK with the most homes for sale that feature fireplaces

1. Ceredigion, Wales – 48.3%
2. Derbyshire Dales, East Midlands – 43.8%
3. Forest of Dean, South West – 42.3%
4. Rother, South East – 39.1%
5. Staffordshire Moorlands, West Midlands – 39.0%
6. Malvern Hills, West Midlands – 38.3%
7. Carmarthenshire, Wales – 37.1%
8. Herefordshire, County of, West Midlands – 36.6%
9. Denbighshire, Wales – 36.4%
10. Newcastle-under-Lyme, West Midlands – 36.1%

The top 10 list is primarily made up of rural areas, with Wales taking the lead. In Ceredigion, located in the west of Wales, 48.3% of homes for sale feature a fireplace, while Carmarthenshire, in the Welsh southwest, follows with 37.1%.

These beautiful rural locations are hubs of fireplace culture. For instance, the average winter temperature in Ceredigion ranges from 4℃ to 6℃, which likely contributes to the area’s popularity of fireplaces.

The West Midlands also impacted the top 10, with regions like Staffordshire Moorlands (39%), Malvern Hills (38.3%), and Newcastle-under-Lyme (36.1%) rounding out the top rankings.

The bottom 10 “Cold Zones” where fireplaces are disappearing from properties for sale

1. Manchester, North West – 3.4%
2. Liverpool, North West – 6.6%
3. Medway, South East – 6.6%
4. Dundee City, Scotland – 7.4%
5. Slough, South East – 7.7%
6. Halton, North West – 7.8%
7. Bracknell Forest, South East – 8.1%
8. North Lanarkshire, Scotland – 8.2%
9. Salford, North West – 8.4%
10. St. Helens, North West – 8.7%

Urban areas with more modern properties dominate the bottom 10. Manchester and Liverpool, both bustling North West cities, are at the bottom of the pile, with less than 6% of homes for sale featuring fireplaces.

Although these areas have few fireplaces, their average winter temperatures are 4°C. This suggests that other factors, such as limited space and buyers’ preferences for energy-efficient heating solutions, contribute to the absence of traditional fireplaces.

But it isn’t just big cities struggling to stoke the fire. The Southeast also shows fewer properties with fireplaces. Locations like Medway, Slough, and Bracknell Forest also have low numbers: 6.6%, 7.7%, and 8.1%, respectively.

Scotland ranks low on the list regarding homes for sale with fireplaces. Only a small percentage of properties in Dundee City and North Lanarkshire feature this amenity. For instance, less than 8% of homes for sale in Dundee City have a fireplace, despite winter temperatures averaging around 6°C during the day and dropping to about 0.7°C at night.

Why are fireplaces fading from UK homes?

Older homes, especially those built before 1950, are more likely to have traditional fireplaces. However, modern heating systems have blocked, removed, or replaced many of them. On the other hand, new-build homes rarely feature fireplaces; they opt for wood burners, electric fires, or even no fireplace.

As this trend grows, estate agents notice a shift in what buyers look for in a property. Jonathan Ayala, a licensed real estate agent, shares his insights:

“Millennials and Gen Z buyers—a growing portion of the market—prioritise energy efficiency and open layouts, where a bulky fireplace doesn’t always fit,” says Ayala. “With increasing environmental awareness, many municipalities have introduced restrictions on wood-burning fireplaces, making gas and electric alternatives more attractive.”

Could bioethanol fireplaces be the perfect solution?

As traditional fireplaces become less common in urban areas, bioethanol fireplaces offer a practical solution.

Although fireplaces are an attractive home feature, many homeowners do not use them regularly. A significant number are either non-functional or purely decorative, and only a small percentage are actively used.

Biofires offer a clean-burning, eco-friendly alternative that is easy to install and ideal for use when it suits you. They are especially well-suited for urban homes, where space and practicality are key considerations.

In addition to their convenience, bioethanol fireplaces provide a comforting, warm glow, adding between 3°C and 5°C to the average living room—similar to the effect of an electric heater on a medium setting.

Mike Rawles, Customer Services Director of Imaginfires, said, “The data found in partnership with Zoopla highlights that products like bioethanol fireplaces can bridge the gap for those looking to move to urban areas where traditional fireplaces aren’t an option. They’re stylish, efficient and perfect for modern living, offering all the ambience of a real fireplace without the space and integration constraints.”