The rich history of architecture that Australia has enjoyed since settlement can make house-hunting a fascinating and rewarding experience if you love to step inside homes of bygone eras.
Even a basic understanding of this nation’s architectural history will help guide you towards your ideal home, and provide a better idea of a property’s true value.
Homes with a strong, well-recognised architectural heritage tend to maintain their value even when the market flattens or dips.
Talk to your local real estate agent about period homes on the market and the return on investment they offer compared with modern homes or apartments.
Here’s a snapshot of architectural styles that grace our suburbs.
Old Colonial (1788-1860) – There are relatively few of these building around now, of course. Those that have survived are likely to be heritage listed, which can be restrictive if you want to make improvements. Nevertheless, this period saw the creation of Colonial Georgian, Regency and Grecian styles. These home used the first imported roofing material – corrugated iron – which has become one of our cultural icons. Later houses of this period were inspired by the Palladian style that had become fashionable in Europe.
Queenslander (1840-Present) – Sitting on stilts with sweeping verandahs, this design is arguably the most recognisable representation of Australian architecture. The Queenslander, an all-wood structure, is the perfect design for a tropical climate. It features large double doors that open on to verandahs and louvre windows to promote airflow, especially valuable when a cool change comes through. Like the houses before it, the roofing features corrugated iron.
Victorian (1840-1901) – Designs changed slowly over this 60-year period, which historians segment into early, mid- and late Victorian architecture. These houses offer a symmetrical design with a central front door that leads into a hallway that splits the home. An average Victorian home would have four to six rooms. Weatherboard was a popular material for smaller houses while bluestone and red brick was used for larger properties. Over the decades, cast iron lacework, bullnose verandahs and timber fretwork were introduced and can be seen to this day.
Federation (1901-1914) – The name speaks to the federation of Australian states in 1901. The style of home was essentially the Edwardian style being constructed in Britain at the time. The nation was becoming increasingly wealthy and Federation homes enhanced the decorative approach of late Victorian and Queen Anne homes. Motifs of iconic flora and fauna, such as emus and kangaroos, became fashionable. Stained glass at the front of these home – a sign of national wealth – were common and homes became even larger. Some elements of the late Victorian period endured, such as pressed metal ceilings and ornate cornices. Federation homes were the first to be connected to gas and electricity. Sub-genres of Federation included Filigree, Arts & Craft, Romanesque and Gothic.
Californian Bungalow (1915-1940) – This was a more affordable style of housing compared with the grandness of many Federation homes. These single-storey homes are immediately recognisable by their columns on the front verandah. In the early days, they were made of darker brick but in the 30s, owners embraced a lighter, red brickwork and neutral paints. You’ll find many of these homes in the inner suburbs on large blocks. Over the years, owners have added a second storey to capitalise on their investment.
Art Deco (1940-50) – Also known as Waterfall, these home became the height of fashion for a decade and are now highly sought-after by buyers and investors alike. When compared with surrounding properties in the suburbs, they often have the appearance of an ocean liner with its stepped chimneys, sweeping curves of brickwork and bay windows. Usually, these homes are painted white or have a creamy glazed brickwork, although there are examples of darker exteriors.
Modern (1950-present) – Our choice has widened with a number of less well-known architectural styles. These include the triple-fronted brick veneer home that is common in our suburbs. The 80s saw the emergence of the “Ranch”, which kept homes to a single storey but increased the floor space. The modern replica of the Queenslander is often called “Australian Nostalgic”. The building boom that began in the 80s has benefited from improved technologies and engineering but suffered from the use of cheaper materials. The exception are one-off architecturally designed homes. Yet, it is this quality of material (e.g. double-brick) and commitment to style that explains why a period home can be better long-term investment than modern property.