London’s iconic Blue Plaques scheme celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Despite the name, not all the capital’s 900-plus plaques are in fact blue – they have had several different manifestations over the years and have been both brown and sage green at various points in their history.

But whatever the colour of the plaques, and whether they are in London or part of similar schemes across the country, the presence of an official marker sparks a sense of eager anticipation. Who lived there and what significant deeds went on within those four walls? It’s almost impossible not to stop and take a closer look.

Administered first by the Society of Arts, then later the London County Council and the Greater London Council, the scheme has been run by English Heritage since 1986. High-profile blue plaque sales handled by Savills in recent years have included Sir Christopher Wren’s Hampton Court mansion and part of Oscar Wilde’s Chelsea home, while the Hampstead house occupied by the architectural authority, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, for more than 50 years is one of a number of blue plaque properties currently on the market.

There’s certainly something romantic about owning a property that sports the badge. But while a blue plaque makes a property stand out from the crowd and can create a favourable impression, it’s difficult to isolate any value it might add. Buyers are fascinated by houses with history and if they’ve fallen for one they might be prepared to pay a small premium, though huge celebrity may cause concerns about living on a tourist trail.

Here is our pick of the blue plaque properties currently for sale in London and elsewhere.