The use of prestressed concrete components has been accepted for many years for structures under gravity loading. The applications of the material are increasing rapidly, encouraged by such advantages as the possibility of pleasing architectural forms, and the suitability of prestressed concrete to modern prefabricated construction. However the use of prestressed concrete in primary seismic resistant elements such as shear walls and frames has created considerable controversy. This review is a historical trace of the approach of design and research engineers to the suitability or otherwise of prestressed concrete for earthquake resistance. It discusses such fundamental properties as stiffness, damping, energy absorption and dissipation, and ductility, all of which will affect the response and hence the structural behaviour of prestressed concrete buildings under earthquake loading.