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A Complete Guide to Types of UK Houses

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You have many options when looking for a property to move into. Across the UK, there are many sizes, layouts, values, and house types, each with advantages and drawbacks.

The property you choose must meet all of your needs. For example, a larger house will be a priority if five of you move in together. If you want to live in the city centre, you may have to make do with a flat.

The guide below provides a complete guide to the different types of houses in the UK. Keep reading to discover the various types and how much you can expect them to cost.

Detached House

A house is ‘detached’ if it does not share walls with another property. These houses are usually the most spacious and can often come with their own driveway and garden.

Detached properties are far rarer in city centres, where space is an issue due to population density. However, you may see them far more frequently in wealthy neighbourhoods, the suburbs, and the countryside.

One significant advantage of a detached house is that it is usually easier to get an extension or make renovations, as less approval is required. On the other hand, you may have to pay more for a detached house (due to the additional privacy and space), and maintenance may be more time-consuming.

As of 2024, the average detached house in the UK costs around £490,640.

Semi-Detached House

A house is ‘semi-detached’ if it shares a wall with another property. This type of house is prevalent in many towns around the country, as it saves space compared to a detached property but still gives the owners a reasonable amount of space to live in.

A semi-detached property often has a garden, separated from the next-door neighbours by a fence. It is also possible to complete an extension on this type of house, and you still get a decent amount of privacy, albeit less than a detached house.

The latest figures from Zoopla indicate that a typical semi-detached property in the UK costs £307,038. This makes it considerably less expensive than detached houses but still more costly than some of the other types outlined below.

Terraced House

A terraced property is attached to another house on both sides, forming a long line of properties, with each one joined to the next.

Terraced houses are very common in major towns with large populations because they save space and are more affordable. However, these properties are less spacious than detached or semi-detached houses, meaning they are usually cheaper and more challenging for larger families.

People living in a terraced house often have to put up with less privacy, as neighbours live on both sides of the wall (which can sometimes mean more noise). 

If a house is ‘end of terrace’, it is at the end of a long line of terraced properties and, therefore, only shares one wall with another (the other wall is free). These end-of-terrace properties are usually more desirable and sell for a slightly higher price.

Across the entire UK, a typical terraced house costs £270,229.

Flat

A flat is the most common type of property in the UK and is what most people move into for their first-ever house. Since flats are smaller and easier to maintain, they are usually less expensive, making them a convenient option when getting onto the property ladder.

A flat is usually on a single floor, although it can sometimes stretch over two floors. A ‘block of flats’ is usually a large residential building with lots of flats, meaning that when you live in this type of property, you will be down the hall from several other flats.

A flat usually includes (at minimum) a bathroom, bedroom, living space, and a kitchen. These two spaces are often combined at the lower end of the price range.

Privacy is limited when you live in a flat because you are often surrounded by neighbours on all sides. On the other hand, this type of house can often be more ‘secure’ because several layers of security need to be passed. 

Flats usually do not have a garden, although only sometimes.

The average flat in the UK costs £259,991, according to Zoopla, making this the most affordable property type out of the ‘main four’ options listed above.

Studio Flat

A studio flat is a smaller type in which everything is grouped in one space. This means a single kitchen, living area, and bedroom room. A bathroom will usually be in a smaller room, although this is only sometimes guaranteed. 

Studio flats are best for people with a tiny budget and small groups of people, as they offer little space and privacy.

Maisonette 

A maisonette is a slightly less common property but still an excellent option for people on a smaller budget. Although similar to a flat, the significant difference with a maisonette is its private entrance. This means there is no shared entrance hall with anyone else, and there is slightly more privacy when living there.

Bungalow 

A bungalow is a property with only one level. It is usually detached from other properties and often has a reasonably sized front and back garden. Due to space limitations, you are unlikely to find a detached bungalow in a city centre. Still, they are far more common in the suburbs and the countryside.

Bungalows are pretty popular amongst people at retirement age because they are usually easier to walk around. Often, for people with less mobility, going up and down stairs can present a problem, which is fixed by getting a bungalow.

Bungalows have more privacy and are easier to extend. They are also easier to maintain since they are smaller than a property with two storeys, and they will usually have their driveway. However, this type of house is slowly becoming rarer as property developers focus on making the most of their available space.

Cottage

A cottage is a small property, usually within an old building with thick exterior walls and smaller windows. Cottages are far more common in rural parts of the UK and often have a garden area and a smaller average room size in the property’s interior.

Cottages in rural areas are expensive compared to other properties with the duplicate square footage, as they are sought after due to their traditional design and are often used as holiday homes.

Mansion

A mansion is the largest type of property in the UK and usually the most costly. It is detached and (often) totally separate from all other neighbours, with lots of land surrounding it. Many of these buildings are very old and have a rich history. They may also have extra amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool, or tennis court. These properties are usually quite expensive to maintain. 

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