Understanding historical economics offers fascinating insights into the lives of our ancestors. One common question that arises is, “How Much Did A House Cost In 1880?” While a single, definitive answer is elusive due to various factors, examining family budgets from the era provides valuable context. This article explores the expenditure of working-class and lower-middle-class families in the late 19th century, shedding light on housing costs and overall living expenses.
The Workman’s Budget: A Glimpse into 1880s Living
In 1880s England, a skilled workman earning around 30 shillings a week faced significant financial constraints. A large portion of his income was allocated to basic necessities, with housing being a major expense.
Rent represented a significant burden. The article “Family Budgets,” published in Cornhill Magazine, highlights that a workman could easily spend up to a third of his income on rent. While a man earning £600 a year might raise eyebrows if he spent £200 on housing, it was the norm for a workman earning 30 shillings a week (£78 annually) to spend 10 shillings a week on rent (£26 annually).
This high rent secured a modest dwelling, typically three small rooms in a six-roomed house, often located in London’s East End. This disparity arose from high demand for affordable housing near workplaces.
Other necessities also contributed to the weekly budget. An example budget includes the following:
- Meat and fish: 5s 5d
- Bread and flour: 2s 1d
- Grocery: 1s 8d
- Cheese, butter, bacon, and eggs: 1s 11d
- Greengrocery: 1s 3d
- Firing (coal and wood): 2s 0d
- Oil and sundries: 1s 7d
- Clothes allowance: 2s 0d
- Club and insurance: 1s 0d
- Beer and tobacco: 2s 9d
- Contingencies: 1s 3d
This budget highlights the minimal margin for savings and unexpected expenses. Families often relied on the resourcefulness of the “missis” to make ends meet.
A Step Up: The Lower-Middle-Class Budget
Moving up the social ladder, a lower-middle-class family with an income between £150 and £200 per year faced different challenges. While their overall financial situation was better than that of a workman, they still had to manage their resources carefully.
Housing remained a substantial expense. Rent for a six-roomed house in a suburb like Clapham, Forest Gate, or Walthamstow could range from 10 to 12 shillings and sixpence a week. The sample budget from the era allocates £31 3s 5d annually for rent, rates and taxes.
Transportation costs also played a significant role. Commuting to work in the City of London or Westminster required a railway season ticket, costing around £7 a year.
Clothing was another important consideration. Those in client-facing professions had to maintain a “decent professional garb,” adding pressure to the budget.
The sample budget of £150 includes:
- Food: £47 9s 0d
- Gas, coal, coke, oil, wood, matches: £9 17s 0d
- Boots: £6 0s 0d
- Tailor: £6 0s 0d
- Dress for wife and children: £13 0s 0d
Even with careful management, financial stability required meticulous planning and resourcefulness.
Factors Influencing Housing Costs
Several factors contributed to the variability of housing costs in 1880:
- Location: City centers and desirable suburbs commanded higher rents than less accessible areas.
- Property Size and Condition: Larger and well-maintained properties naturally cost more.
- Economic Conditions: Local and national economic fluctuations affected rental prices.
- Demand: Areas with high employment opportunities often saw increased demand and higher rents.
Conclusion
While it is difficult to give an exact figure for “how much a house cost in 1880,” examining the budgets of working-class and lower-middle-class families provides a realistic picture of housing affordability during that era. Rent typically consumed a substantial portion of a family’s income, leaving limited resources for other necessities and savings. These historical insights highlight the economic realities faced by ordinary people in the 19th century and offer a valuable perspective on the cost of living in the past.
