Top 9 Most Common Types of Houses in the UK

The type of house you choose can determine your quality of life for years to come. So it’s wise to be careful when deciding which house will be your future home. Our guide addresses the different house types in the UK to help you decide which would best fit you and your family.

Types of Houses UK Residents Can Acquire

Before you decide on the type of property you want, carefully consider our following list that comprises all the different types of residential properties you can find in the UK.

Detached House

Detached houses are individual structures that don’t share walls with other structures. They typically have a front and back garden, making them ideal for family life. In addition, they also have a larger living space and more outdoor space. Out of all the different types of houses, detached houses offer the highest levels of privacy, which appropriately makes them more expensive. These houses are most commonly found in low-density areas, such as suburbs or rural areas. But since they’re larger than other houses, they’re also more challenging to maintain.

Semi-Detached House

Semi-detached houses share a wall with another, separately owned home. The semi-detached house is a mirror image of the house adjacent to it, which saves a significant amount of space but also means that your privacy is diminished. These house types in the UK are cheaper than fully detached homes but do have their own gardens and outdoor spaces, which gives them good value for the money. One crucial aspect of semi-detached houses is that renovations or extensions on the home must be done with the neighbours’ approval—you can’t make these decisions by yourself.

Terraced House

Terraced houses are a UK staple. Built in a single row, these houses are smaller in size than other properties and connected by walls on both sides to the other houses in the row to save space in urban areas. Compared to other types of housing, a terraced house is one of the cheapest options on the market, making it easier to save up for a house. It’s also one of the safest properties in the UK due to the two sets of neighbours living next door. This property has no garden space, but no garden means less maintenance.

End-of-Terrace House

An end-of-terrace house is a building located at the end of a row of terraced houses, sharing a wall on just one side. These houses are typically located at the end of a road, accompanied by outdoor space, making them pricier than traditional terraced houses. Of the type of houses in UK neighbourhoods, this house is usually exposed to more sunlight, and it’s wider than the other houses in the same row. The level of privacy is naturally better since there is only one adjacent house. The only downside is that it’s smaller than detached and semi-detached houses.

Cottage

Cottages are traditional UK homes found in the countryside and often used as holiday homes. Typically, a cottage is an older house with thick walls and solid construction, initially built to house farmers. Other trademark house characteristics for these types of property include small windows that protect the household from bad weather and large land areas surrounding the house. The vast outdoor space provides comfort and privacy—adding to the price, which can be quite substantial for a country home.

Bungalow

The type of houses designated as bungalows are typically used as holiday homes. Bungalows are single-storey structures containing a few rooms—although some have attic rooms with dormer windows. The main differences between a bungalow and a detached house are in the size and design—bungalows are much smaller and have a more traditional look. The living space is limited with very little storage space, making them easy to clean and maintain. They’re also quite costly. Very few bungalows are built, so those that exist sell for a good price. But because these properties are usually bought as second homes, you can at least avoid paying stamp duty.

Maisonette

Maisonettes are self-contained flats in a larger building with a separate entrance, staircase, and shared outdoor space. Maisonettes can extend above two levels. But what makes them stand out from duplexes is their individual, private front door—if a flat doesn’t have a separate entrance, it cannot be classified as a maisonette. Among the types of houses UK residents choose, maisonettes are quite popular because you get more square footage than a flat, and they are significantly cheaper than houses. Maisonettes are typically built in urban areas, as they save a lot of space yet are comfortable enough for a family.

Flat

Flats are the most popular choice for homes in the UK. They are built in blocks (one atop another), making them space-saving dwellings and cheaper than houses. Being surrounded by neighbours on all sides also makes them a safe place to live. And utility bills and maintenance cost less than in larger properties. Of the different types of houses in the UK, flats are properties that have many variations, including studio, converted, split-level, etc. (It’s advisable to understand the difference between flats and apartments.) Flats, in most cases, are located near city centres and can be bought or rented.

Mansion

The last type of property on our list is the mansion—the most luxurious of all houses. Of all the UK house types, mansions are the most desirable and most expensive. These houses are very spacious and typically old with a rich history. Because some mansions might be located on historical or heritage sites, renovations or additions can be problematic, even forbidden. A mansion conveys wealth and affluence—so few can afford to purchase and maintain one.

Which Type of House Is Right for You?

Choosing a house out of the many types of UK houses can be challenging. And because buyers are making a life-altering (and sometimes lifelong) decision, it only adds more pressure. So before you make a final decision, consider the following points.

• Budget: You should buy an affordable house and not go out of your depth to obtain a more expensive home, leading to debt accumulation and the loss of your house.
• Family size: If it’s just you and a partner, you can live comfortably in almost any house. But if you have a family or plan to have one, you’ll need a more spacious property.
• Necessary requirements: Some types of houses in the UK don’t have outdoor space. If this is something you need to have, you should avoid such properties. Make sure that the home you choose has all the essentials you need.
• Location: Most homebuyers are set on purchasing from what’s available in a specific area or region.
• Cost of living: Before purchasing a house, consider the cost of living in the area since you’ll be living there for years to come. If the cost of living is high, you may have problems down the road.

These are just some of the points to consider when choosing a home from the different types of houses in the UK. Make sure the house you choose can accommodate the specific requirements or preferences you need and desire.

Conclusion

Each house has something going in its favour. But when choosing a home for yourself, make a choice that best meets your needs. Our guide has listed all the house types on the UK market to help you choose the perfect house.