Published: 11/03/2025
Exploring London's Diverse Property Styles
London, a city brimming in history and architectural beauty - a treasure trove of property styles. Whether you're considering purchasing a period house or simply appreciating the city's rich heritage, let us explain the nuances of these architectural styles.
Below is our guide into the distinctive property styles that grace the streets of London.
Georgian Charm (1714 - 1830)
London's architectural journey starts with the Georgian era. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the city transformed, giving rise to a new architectural style characterised by spacious and airy designs. Prominent architects like John Nash, responsible for Buckingham Palace, left their indelible mark on this period. Georgian terraced houses are renowned for their symmetrical facades, stucco-fronted ground floors, and larger sash windows on the lower levels. These three- or four-story townhouses often cluster around picturesque garden squares, exuding elegance. Interestingly, the bricked-out windows on some Georgian houses is a historical relic from the window tax era.
Regency Refinement (1811 - 1820)
As the Georgian era drew to a close, the Regency period emerged, characterised by all-white stucco facades and a grand, elegant aesthetic. This was when central London saw the construction of high-end residential properties, lending them a striking resemblance to Georgian houses. Regency-style properties boast curved windows, colonnaded walkways, ornate wrought-iron detailing, and pediments over windows and doorways, all heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture. It's all about "refined elegance."
Victorian Opulence (1837 - 1901)
The Victorian era ushered in a new architectural chapter, driven by the Industrial Revolution and the need for housing factory workers. Victorian properties, at their inception, were relatively simple, designed for working-class residents in areas like Poplar, Isle of Dogs, and the Docklands. However, over time, the style evolved into opulent grandeur. Imagine high-pitched roofs, ornate brickwork, bay windows, and decorated barge boards. Notably, the front door was often located to the side of the facade, and these townhouses typically spanned just one or two rooms in width.
Edwardian Elegance (1901 - 1910)
Edwardian properties offer a departure from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. In London's leafy suburbs, these homes are wider, roomier, and more spacious. They feature red brickwork on the ground floor and white-painted or mock Tudor cladding on the upper storey. Wooden-framed porches and detached or semi-detached houses line the streets in straight, orderly rows, providing an idyllic atmosphere away from the city's heart.
Art Deco Delight (1920s - 1930s)
As we move into the 1920s and 1930s, we encounter the Art Deco style, one of the most distinctive and visually striking architectural movements. A departure from the elaborate Victorian styles, Art Deco properties are characterised by sleek, linear, and rectangular designs, often adorned with geometric patterns. London's leafy suburbs showcase these properties with sharp edges, a linear appearance, and geometrical forms. Look for reeding and fluting around doors, and many of these homes offer expansive gardens, making them perfect for family living.
From the classical elegance of the Georgian and Regency eras to the opulent grandeur of the Victorian age and the spacious charm of Edwardian homes, London's property styles reflect the city's rich history and diverse character. And let's remember the striking Art Deco style that emerged in the early 20th century, adding a touch of modernity to the architectural tapestry.
