Based on both ambient vibration measurements and numerical models using the wide-column analogy and the finite element method, vibrations periods of low-rise concrete dwellings are estimated in this study. A brief review of parametric and nonparametric techniques is presented and discussed, and in-situ measurements techniques are critically compared. The results of ambient vibration tests are used to calibrate numerical models. Advantages, drawbacks and accuracy of parametric techniques, as well as particular recommendations to build numerical models for assessing the elastic behavior of low-rise concrete wall dwellings, are proposed.