Source buff & yellow bricks.

While red bricks dominate the UK, certain regions have their own brick traditions — buff and yellow bricks from Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and parts of London. These bricks define the architecture of East Anglia and bring instant regional character to new builds. This guide covers what buff and yellow bricks cost in 2026, the regional varieties, and where to source them.

Cambridgeshire Whites (off-white/pale buff) and Suffolk Whites are the famous examples, though "buff" covers a range from pale cream to deep yellow.

Regional Varieties

• Cambridge / Cambridgeshire Whites — pale buff/cream from local clay.
• Suffolk Whites — slightly warmer cream/buff.
• Norfolk Whites — similar palette, slightly different texture.
• Yellow London Stocks — yellow-brown, historic London.
• Modern buff facing bricks — wide range of manufactured options.

Typical Costs

When to Use Buff / Yellow Bricks

• East Anglian property repairs and extensions.
• Heritage areas in those regions.
• Contemporary builds going for warm, pale aesthetic.
• Contrasting detail on red brick buildings.

UK Regulations

• Standard bricklaying rules.
• Conservation areas in East Anglia may require local-matching bricks.

Common Problems

• Wrong region — using Bedfordshire buff in Cambridge looks subtly wrong.
• Modern wirecut on heritage — too uniform.
• Bleached look after cleaning — pale bricks show dirt patterns.
• Iron staining — some buff bricks have iron deposits that rust over years.

Frequently Asked Questions