The Different Types of Houses

Here in the UK, we have a variety of different types of houses. Across the decades we have developed more and more homes, leading to more and more types of property popping up. For that reason, it can sometimes be a little tricky to keep the definitions and terms clear, leading to confusion for anyone not familiar with the housing market – either because they’re first-time buyers or because they’ve kept the same home all their lives.

This month at Bosaco, we wanted to clear up some of that confusion by creating a piece of content that details the most common house types we have in this country. Take a look at the different types of houses below and see if you can figure out which type of property you have.

Detached Houses

You might have guessed from the title, but a detached house is simply a house that stands by itself with no parts of its structure adjoined to any other building – it’s totally detached. This leaves access down both sides of the house and quite commonly means there will be a front and back garden. Typically, these homes will feature two or even three storeys, with many people choosing to convert the attic space into an extra living level. Detached houses often cost more than semi-detached and terraced houses thanks to the larger size and the convenience of not being attached to neighbouring properties.

Semi-Detached Houses

If a detached house is completely separated, you might be able to work out that a semi-detached house is only partially separated. These are houses that basically come in pairs and feature two storeys or more. Adjoined along one wall, it means you have your own home to yourself, but share that one wall in between. This means you will likely only have access down one side of your home, but it also means more homes can be built within a single space. Semi-detached houses are usually cheaper than detached homes because of the shared wall.

Terraced Houses

It’s believed that terraced houses began popping up around the 17th century. They’re extremely recognisable since they pack in a large number of houses into a smaller parcel of land, usually with two storeys or more per home. Essentially, these houses form a row along a street, with connected walls and each side of them. This is where they get their name, and while they might cost a lot less than a detached or semi-detached house, that’s because you get a much smaller garden (if any) and will share access to the rear of the terrace down one alleyway.

End-of-Terrace Houses

These houses actually share some similarities with semi-detached houses as they come at the end of a terraced row, sharing just one side of the property with another. The only real advantage, however, is that you only have the one shared wall with one set of neighbours, as opposed to sharing both sides, but it’s usually enough to make them slightly more desirable than a normal terraced home.

Cottages

Cottages are one of the oldest property types we have here in the UK, with some dating back centuries. They are typically found in rural parts of the country, and can either be standalone (detached) or adjoined as a row (terraced). They usually offer more original features and character but are smaller in size, though often feature two storeys. Once a staple for cotters – peasants and labourers, particularly in agriculture – they became sought after as more idyllic and quaint places to live, making them a more expensive purchase than some modern properties.

Bungalows

Bungalows are identifiable as single, ground-level housing. Not to be confused with cottages, which are often smaller, older properties, or detached homes, which are bigger and feature more levels, bungalows are often occupied by older homeowners who either don’t need quite as much space or lack the mobility for stairs, but still wish to retain their own property and garden space. Bungalows also make great holiday homes and can often be as expensive as regular homes if they have the equivalent square footage.

Flats

Flats are self-contained living spaces within one building, with some form of communal stairway and entrance, flats are one of the most well-known property types. While not technically a house, a flat is still a home for many people, featuring at least one bedroom (studio flats are traditionally just one room for a single occupant). Flats can be found inside purpose-built buildings or in detached and semi-detached houses that have been converted into flats. 

Maisonettes

Flats and maisonettes can sometimes become confused. The key definition to keep in mind is that a property can only be a maisonette if there is a private entrance for the owner. Where there is a communal entrance to the overall building, it is simply known as a flat.

Choose a local, reliable construction company

Whatever property type you own in Nottingham, if you need local and professional tradesmen to help with refurbishment, extensions or roofing, look no further than our team here at Bosaco. We’ve got experience and knowledge of working on a variety of different property types and are always happy to discuss any work you require.

Contact us today and get a free, no-obligation quote for building work and landscaping for your home in Nottingham.