The History of London’s Housing Stock

Discover how London’s housing has evolved throughout the decades with our interactive tool

London has grown exponentially as it’s evolved into the megacity we know today. The 32 boroughs that make up this thriving metropolis are unique in their own right and from a historical perspective, each one has a notable and unique story. From the luxurious pre-1900 houses and garden squares in Knightsbridge, to the housing expansion and regeneration around Canary Wharf in recent years, London’s homes are as diverse as its inhabitants.

With this in mind, Knight Frank is pleased to launch a new, interactive report aimed at sharing unique insight into the Capital’s housing history for both residents and visitors alike. Our interactive tool uses housing data from the past 120 years, to visualise 14 unique stories connected to some of the Capital’s most notable areas. These boroughs showcase the dramatic changes in that area, while also highlighting their significance to the overall landscape of London’s housing.

To begin, click on an area or select a borough from the drop-down list.

Understand and compare complex data with our helpful infographics and read the full narrative to learn all about each London borough.

camden area

Barking & Dagenham Brent Islington Camden Tower Hamlets Harrow City of London Westminster Southwark Lambeth Wandsworth Kensington Richmond Upon Thames Hammersmith & Fulham

Housing Stock in Camden

Early Camden had been a quiet, middle-class residential market town in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, but by mid-19th century the wider area became a major transportation hub, connecting London with the rest of the UK.

camden

Age of Housing Stock in

Pre 1900
47.66%

camden area
  •  
    Pre 1900
    47.66%
  •  
    1900-1918
    3.71%
  •  
    1919-1929
    2.73%
  •  
    1930-1939
    6.57%
  •  
    1945-1954
    3.53%
  •  
    1955-1964
    7.25%
  •  
    1965-1972
    7.31%
  •  
    1973-1982
    7.14%
  •  
    1983-1992
    2.89%
  •  
    1993-1999
    3.15%
  •  
    2000-2009
    5.23%
  •  
    2010-2014
    1.94%

"With railway and canal construction came labourers and a substantial working class population made inner Camden and King’s Cross their home."

Early Camden had been a quiet, middle-class residential market town in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, but by mid-19th century the wider area became a major transportation hub, connecting London with the rest of the UK.

Lined with warehouses and factories, the Regent’s Canal opened to traffic in 1820 and by 1850 was joined by The Great Northern Railway and a Camden-based London terminus. With railway and canal construction came labourers and a substantial working class population made inner Camden and King’s Cross their home.

Following the rapid population rise of the 1850’s, large yellow- brick family homes (typically three-story high with substantial basements and cottages) became multi-occupancy and divided into apartments to accommodate working-class families.

By the end of the nineteenth century, most of the housing stock was ‘soot-stained and run-down’ and only in the last decades of the twentieth century would Camden again become socially diverse.

More fashionable neighbouring districts which now form part of the borough, such as Primrose Hill and Belsize Park, have remained predominantly wealthy areas. Knight Frank has a wealth of knowledge in historic locations in this area, so make sure to get in touch for more information!

1980’s and beyond

Towards the end of 20th century, much of the residential property built in the 1800’s became listed and now form some of the most popular streets in the area.

Mornington Crescent is one of Camden’s most instantly recognisable streets featuring curved terraces grouped in a crescent form around communal gardens.

Camden Town, the borough’s vibrant nucleus, became a cultural hub for musicians and artists during the second half of the 20th century and a fashionable place for creative types to live and work.

camden lock 80s

Camden market, which began in the 70’s, is strongly associated with counter-culture movements and is now one of London’s most visited tourist attractions. Since the 1980’s many of the family homes have been modernised, returning the splendour of Camden’s 18th century housing to its former glory.

21st Century property development

The majority of development in Camden has undoubtedly been in King’s Cross over the last ten years. The area has seen a complete turnaround, transforming it into one of the most desirable places to live in London. The first major change was the arrival of the Eurostar in 2007 which coincided with the refurbishment of St. Pancras Station.

The sudden propulsion of King’s Cross as London’s gateway to continental Europe was a catalyst for development and in 2007 Argent embarked upon their total regeneration of the area.

kings cross victorian building

The project, which is due for completion around 2020, has seen the building of around 2000 new residential homes as well as the arrival of some of the world’s most renowned companies, including Google, Universal, Nike and many more.

The 145 apartment Gasholders development, beside Regent’s Canal, is an example of how the area is changing. These new home will be housed within three refurbished Grade II-listed, cast-iron gasholder guide frames in the heart of King’s Cross.

"Towards the end of 20th century, much of the residential property built in the 1800’s became listed and now form some of the most popular streets in the area."

Did you know: The Chalcot Estates, built in the mid 1860’s were the start of the white stucco Villas that line the majority of Belsize Park. These properties have outstanding period detailing and voluminous rooms throughout.

Visit our property listing pages to discover more of Camden’s beautiful homes and apartments.

Click on the links below to explore other boroughs in London

London’s historical housing stock data comes from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and was analysed by Knight Frank