Properties on the UK market can be divided into a few different types on the basis of their style, each with different advantages and disadvantages, and each being suited to different needs. People looking to buy a house usually have an idea of what type of property they are looking for. Larger budgets and a desire for rural charm might lead people toward the traditional cottage; those with urban jobs and growing families may consider settling down in a terrace property; while retired folks may prefer to downsize into a bungalow or upsize into an opulent detached.
In this post, we will look at the different types of property that can be found across the UK and their unique qualities. This will help prospective buyers figure out which properties to focus on, therefore narrowing down their property search. While there are many other factors to consider, the type of property you want to live in is a fundamental one and a great place to start.
Terrace
A terrace house is a property located within a long row of houses that are joined wall-to-wall, each with similar (and often identical) structures and appearances. With this type of property, you can expect cheaper house prices in comparison to detached or semi-detached properties, largely due to their availability on the market. They’re commonly found across the whole country, specifically in towns and cities. Originating in 16th century Europe among wealthy homeowners, terraces grew in popularity during the industrial revolution as a form of high-density housing, hence their prominence across in urban UK areas. Since both walls are shared with neighbours, terraces may not be ideal for those who value complete and total privacy in their own homes. The gardens may be small and enclosed and the rooms may be quite standard in their layout, but there’s still an undeniable charm to the terrace which appeals to many British buyers, especially given their roots in Georgian and Victorian architecture.
End of terrace
End of terrace houses are located at the end of a row of houses as opposed to in the middle (surprise surprise!) and shares only one wall with neighbours with the other remaining detached. The appeal of these properties is that they combine the affordability of a terrace house with the structure of a semi-detached house. Although they are often a bit more expensive than terraces (mainly because there are less of them), end of terraces have the benefit of increased privacy: by having half the amount of neighbours as they would with a regular terrace house, homeowners are less likely to encounter noise issues and other disturbances. Furthermore, these properties often have more space due to their position at the end of a street. However, rooms with two or more outside walls may not be as well insulated if you do not take the right precautions when you move into the property.
Detached
Detached houses come in different shapes and sizes, but there is one common denominator: the distinct lack of shared walls. This gives the properties an increased level of privacy and, generally speaking, more space and more rooms compared to other types of property. As such, detached houses tend to fall within a higher price bracket and are higher in demand. Indeed, according to the Telegraph, detached properties are taking over terraces in terms of price, showing that buyers are more keen to splash out on a property with a bit more space and, looking at the bigger picture, that rural areas with fewer terraces are increasing in popularity. Since they are standalone properties, homeowners are less restricted when it comes to renovations, extensions, and other home modifications that may require planning permission. Perhaps the main disadvantage here is that detached houses involve higher running costs.
Semi-detached
Semi-detached houses come in pairs of two separate properties that are joined in the middle. Despite being cheaper than fully detached properties, they have many of the same benefits – namely privacy and space. The main difference is that renovations may require permission, having to take the needs of their sole neighbours into account. This means that homeowners (however close they are with the people next door) may not enjoy completely free reign. Still, these properties are a good middle ground between a sufficient size and a reasonable price. Many people choose to build extensions in the loft and at the rear of their semi-detached house, so rest assured you will not be completely restricted when it comes to modifications.
Flat
Flats (often called apartments or studios) are properties that form only part of a larger building, meaning that the building itself is shared by multiple residents who live in self-contained spaces. Whether converted from an existing terrace house, with different floors containing different flats, or purpose built into a communal building (such as a high-rise), with several flats on each floor, these properties are most commonly located in metropolitan areas with dense populations. Flats are an incredibly diverse type of property, coming in a wide range of sizes and styles, making it impossible to place them within a specific price range. It mainly depends on location, with certain areas in large cities like London and Manchester showing a high demand for flats. In any case, the complex in which a flat is situated can offer a number of amenities to the owner, such as communal gardens and (in some cases) leisure facilities.
If you’re currently looking to purchase a new property, take a quick look at the sales we currently have available throughout South West London.