Insuring a Period Property (or just an Old House if you prefer a less imposing description) is a little harder than a standard new-build home.  Insurers factor in the probability that the home will be run down in some way, and need work to bring it up to standard.  They work on the basis that it is old, and therefore worn out.  There seems to be a divide within the industry - at around 150 years old.  That means if your property is older than Victorian, insurance companies are likely to run a mile unless they are specialists in this sort of property, and understand the risks they are taking.  

A good survey will help - the fact that the house has been properly surveyed by someone who knows all about old buildings, and the way they are built - the materials used - will help specialist insurers to make a decision that is favourable to you.  Being able to show them that the house is well maintained with the right materials will help.  Everything is about mitigating their risk - so the more you can show them you are able to do that, the more likely they will take you on board.

That's why we offer our survey services around the country - we have specialist 'old property' knowledge, and are used to working with old, damp houses.  They aren't all 'damp' - but more often than not, problems may be found which with the right knowledge can be explained and sorted out in such a way that the report is favourable.