Flat 1, 159 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE
About Flat 1
Flat 1 is a semi-detached house in Reading (RG1 1HE). It has a recorded floor area of 71 m² (around 764 sq ft) and construction records dating it to 2012-2021. At 71 m² this is the 4th smallest of 6 units on EPC record in the building, where floor areas span 62–117 m². The building's EPC ratings span D to C, with this unit at the bottom. On EPC score it ranks last in the building (68 versus a best of 76). The latest certificate (August 2025) shows a D (score 68), on the cusp of jumping into the C band. Earlier certificates rated it C (August 2015); the latest reading is one band lower. Between certificates, hot-water efficiency went from Poor to Good and main heating went from Very Poor to Average; while wall efficiency dropped from Very Good to Good and window efficiency dropped from Very Good to Average. The recommended improvements would push it to C (score 69). Main heating runs on electricity.
Across 2014–2015, sale prices on this property compounded at -25.1% per year. Today's modelled estimate of £331,000 is 55% below the 2015 sale of £735,000, running counter to the wider postcode trend, which makes the EPC and condition history especially worth a look. At 71 m² the property is well over the postcode median (48 m² across 38 EPCs), placing it in the larger end of the local stock. It lags the bulk of the postcode on energy efficiency (less efficient than 89% of similar EPCs). 2 planning records sit against the property, 2 approved, 0 refused. Past consents include change of use to residential, meaningful when judging how the property has evolved. 11 years since the last transfer (April 2015).
Energy performance
Flat 1's carbon output is low for the local stock.
EPC Rating
Property Improvements
Changes detected from historical EPC data
Heating system upgraded to a more efficient system
Heating controls upgraded for better temperature management
Hot water efficiency improved
Get a survey for this property
Level 3 Building Survey
Because the property has no mains gas supply and has solid (non-cavity) walls, we believe a Level 3 building survey should be considered.
From £955 · Includes VAT
Planning history
2 applications on record at Flat 1, 159 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE
- Jul 2013Change of UseOutlineOutcome in report
Change of use of the first, second and third floors from Class B1(a) (offices) to C3 (dwellinghouses) to comprise 2 x 2 bed and 4 x 1bed flats. Prior Notification under Class J, Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).
- Documents
- 1 doc on file
- Reference
- PL/13/0814
- More recent applications — locked
- Change of UseJul 2013Decision
Unlock Flat 1, 159 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE's full planning history
You're seeing the shape of it. The report has the substance.
- Every decision — granted, refused or withdrawn (2 on record)
- All 2 applications on this property in full, plus 2 notable nearby
- The 4 documents, officer reports & conditions
- What the pattern means for extending or converting here
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Sales history & valuation
Flat 1 changed hands twice within eighteen months — unusual for the area.
£331,000
Modelled from EPC, postcode comparables and a sale-price growth of -25.1% per year over 1 year.
£735,000
Growth on file: -25.1% per year over 1 year.
Sales timeline
8 April 2015Most recent
£735,000
-25.8%over 1 year27 March 2014
£990,000
Median price across the last 2 sales in RG1 1HE: £792,500 (2022–2018).
Versus other Friar Street homes
Flat 1 is notably below the street on epc rating.
EPC Rating
68 (D)
Street avg 74 (C)
Floor Area
71 m²
Street avg 52 m²
CO₂ Emissions
1.2 t/year
Street avg 1.3 t/year
Habitable Rooms
3 rooms
Street avg 3 rooms
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The neighbourhood at a glance
Rail-style transport is unusually close for this postcode.
Crime
9/mo
Steady year-on-year across the wider district.
Nearest stop
0.1 km
Market Place — bus stop.
Closest school
0.7 km
Civitas Academy. 34 schools nearby.
Go deeper on the local area
A Local Area report breaks down crime, transport links, schools and air quality in depth.
Road noise across the postcode

Daytime· 07:00 – 23:00
56.9dB

Night-time· 23:00 – 07:00
47.5dB







