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.

tower hamlets 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 Tower Hamlets

The borough of Tower Hamlets has contributed the highest amount of new housing stock in London from 1983 – 2014.

tower hamlets area

Age of Housing Stock in

2000-2009
21.43%

tower hamlets area
  •  
    Pre 1900
    13.00%
  •  
    1900-1918
    1.38%
  •  
    1919-1929
    1.78%
  •  
    1930-1939
    3.49%
  •  
    1945-1954
    6.17%
  •  
    1955-1964
    9.55%
  •  
    1965-1972
    8.57%
  •  
    1973-1982
    8.30%
  •  
    1983-1992
    7.44%
  •  
    1993-1999
    9.32%
  •  
    2000-2009
    21.43%
  •  
    2010-2014
    7.76%

"Following the closure of London’s docks in the 1960s, regeneration of dormant land began in earnest in the 1980s when The London Docklands Development Corporations (LDDC) was created."

The borough of Tower Hamlets has contributed the highest amount of new housing stock in London from 1983 – 2014, largely due to the availability of vacant land caused by bombing during WW2 and the reclaiming of historic industrial land, particularly around the former docks.

early isle of dogs

Following the closure of London’s docks in the 1960s, regeneration of dormant land began in earnest in the 1980s when The London Docklands Development Corporations (LDDC) was created and the Isle of Dogs was earmarked an enterprise zone. The first warehouse conversion to be redeveloped into apartments was Oliver’s Wharf which converted into 23 apartments. Today Oliver’s Wharf is a landmark riverside development.

olivers wharf tower hamlets

This led to a series of events beginning with the construction of a 12.2 million sq ft office block which is now the focal point of Canary Wharf. Next came City Airport, The Docklands Light Railway and the extension of the A13 connecting drivers from London’s city centre to Limehouse and the Isle of Dogs.

The establishment of Canary Wharf as the financial district of London in the 80’s led to the need for new homes in and around the area to service this new commercial district. The land to be built on was relatively cheap and developers saw great opportunity to build exciting new schemes in an area of regeneration with a healthy long term outlook.

Historically, however, Canary Wharf was very much a Monday to Friday destination and convincing people to live in the area was a hard sell. This began to change during the mid-1980s with young professionals trading traditional areas to be closer to the City.

21st century development

Although there are small pockets of much sought after period Victorian and Edwardian family homes, the majority of Tower Hamlets’ housing stock is a result of more recent urban regeneration. Glittering tower blocks with concierge, swimming pools and gyms, waterside penthouses with views of the Thames and warehouse style apartments have made Canary Wharf particularly sought after.

modern canary wharf

"The establishment of Canary Wharf as the financial district of London in the 80’s led to the need for new homes in and around the area to service this new commercial district."

Looking to find out more about Tower Hamlets? Get in touch with one of our estate agents and discover what it has to offer for you.

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