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.

lambeth 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 Lambeth

Spanning several wards, Lambeth Borough is made up of vibrant south west London districts including Clapham, Brixton and Streatham.

lambeth area

Age of Housing Stock in

Pre 1900
39.08%

lambeth area
  •  
    Pre 1900
    39.08%
  •  
    1900-1918
    3.42%
  •  
    1919-1929
    2.92%
  •  
    1930-1939
    12.03%
  •  
    1945-1954
    5.95%
  •  
    1955-1964
    6.83%
  •  
    1965-1972
    6.11%
  •  
    1973-1982
    6.33%
  •  
    1983-1992
    3.70%
  •  
    1993-1999
    3.07%
  •  
    2000-2009
    6.63%
  •  
    2010-2014
    2.86%

"House building in Lambeth dates back to the mid-18th century with London’s affluent establishing country retreats with extensive grounds on the fringes South West London’s commons."

Spanning several wards, Lambeth Borough is made up of vibrant south west London districts including Clapham, Brixton and Streatham.

Pre-1900

Historically an area of woodland and villages to the south and marshland to the north, house building in Lambeth dates back to the mid-18th century with London’s affluent establishing country retreats with extensive grounds on the fringes South West London’s commons.

clapham common

The opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750 marked the beginning of urban development south of the river Thames, with major thoroughfares to Brixton and Clapham lined with handsome Georgian villas and townhouses.

clapham in 1885

The catalyst for urban planning in Clapham arrived with the advent of the railways in the mid-1800s. Shorter journey times opened up this new area of south London to the masses and Clapham became a popular destination for day trips as well as an emerging middle-class suburb.

Following significant population growth between 1850 and the early 1900s, demand for suburban housing grew and Clapham enjoyed a busy period of house building which included grand single occupancy homes and traditional Victorian terraced housing.

Affluent middle-class families in particular favoured this leafy part of London, which offered respite from the noise and pollution of inner city living, while providing short commuting times to the West End and the City.

In a period of less than thirty years Clapham became a thriving London suburb while neighbouring Streatham developed as a location for entertainment and nicknamed as "the West End of South London”.

After World War II many of the larger houses in Clapham, much like in the neighbouring ward of Brixton, were split into flats. With many properties falling into disrepair, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that these south London areas would once again fall into favour.

21st Century

In more recent times Wandsworth’s appeal has soared making it one of London's more popular boroughs. Families moving in from central London are typically attracted by the excellent housing stock, open spaces and schools.

Clapham has seen real transformation with the Old Town Regeneration Project taking place in 2013. Greater pedestrian access, more greenery and the re-siting of the famous old bus garage has really changed the feel of an already very charming spot.

modern clapham

Upmarket independent shops have located in the area, along with renowned restaurants, countless bars and cafes; giving Clapham a village-like atmosphere.

modern clapham north

"The catalyst for urban planning in Clapham arrived with the advent of the railways in the mid-1800s."

Did you know: In 1880, Electric Avenue in Brixton was so named after it became the first street in the area to be lit by electricity.

Discover more information about the borough of Lambeth with the details on our estate agent page.

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