There are plenty of benefits to buying a semi-detached house. However, you do need to be aware of the whole picture before you sign on the dotted line.
One of the most common property types, semis adorn the streets of most UK towns. Together with flats, they make up a significant proportion of the property market. Traditionally favoured by families and young professional couples, they come in all styles and sizes. From Edwardian and Georgian homes to new builds and council properties, semis are incredibly varied.
There’s no right or wrong answer to the question of whether buying a semi-detached house is a wise move. Whether or not you choose to buy a particular property depends on all sorts of factors. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Whilst one person may love the idea of living in close proximity to a neighbour, another may not be so keen on the idea.
Here, we take a look at the pros and cons in a bid to help you decide whether or not this property type will tick your boxes.
Background
A bit of background information is helpful if you’re considering buying a semi detached house. It’s always useful to know why a property type popped up in the first place! Semis became commonplace after WWII but actually date back to the later years of the 19th century. Built with middle class families in mind, they offered more privacy than the workers’ terraced houses.
The price spectrum for buying a semi-detached house is huge. Asking prices depend on all sorts of factors, from size to location.
Pros of Buying a Semi-Detached House
When viewing, you’ll have alot of choice. Be prepared to see all sorts of different semis. The most common are 3-bed properties.
Many come with parking (sometimes long driveways) and garages. These have the desirable features that will attract buyers when it comes to selling up time.
Got a green thumb? Buying a semi-detached house will usually involve a garden. Often both front and back which is another desirable feature.
There’s a great degree of privacy than you get with terraced housing.
If you’ve been living in flats for years, a semi will seem very spacious! There are specific areas for storage, relaxing, eating, sleeping and bathing. There are some open plan designs but most semis are laid out to appeal to families who require separate areas.
Semis often strike the balance between country and city living. Many are located in areas with easy access to both. Hence they are popular with families.
Cons of Buying a Semi-Detached House
Although semis do offer a degree of privacy, it’s by no means absolute. Especially with newer builds, which tend to have smaller plots and gardens in order to maximise building and development space. You are highly likely to see your immediate neighbour(s) on a regular basis. If exchanging pleasantries over the garden fence doesn’t appeal, think again.
Location can be considered as a con as well as a pro. If you are interested in buying a semi-detached house, be prepared to commute to work. It’s fairly unusual to find this type of property in the heart of the city. If you want an easy commute, city flats are the best bet.
Some semis were constructed quickly during the post-war period. Tread carefully with these, they could require costly renovation. A full survey is the way to go if buying a semi-detached property built just after WWII.
Some of the new builds have thin dividing walls. If you love absolute peace and quiet, buying a semi-detached property may not be the best idea.
The best way to avoid the pitfalls is to sit down and decide exactly what you want from the start. Talk to friends, family and give estate agents a clear picture of what you’re looking for.