What is a semi-detached house and how much is it worth?

What is a semi-detached house? The most popular style of residence could be the right property type to consider when applying for a mortgage.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Mother and Daughter Blowing Bubbles

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Mortgage lenders and estate agents know that semi-detached homes are always in demand. Around a third of the UK’s population lives in this kind of property. So what exactly is a semi-detached house?

Here’s an overview to help you decide whether a semi-detached property is right for you.

[top_pitch]

What does semi-detached mean?

A semi-detached house one of a pair of joined properties. A semi-detached home has one wall in common with another property, but no other building is attached on the other side. If you look at a street of semi-detached houses, you will see that each house is a mirror image of its partner.

Semi-detached dwellings became popular and widespread during the 19th century. The design originated in the 17th century when landowners built houses on their estates. They wanted them to appear large and detached when they were, in reality, two in one. In fact, some architects designed semi-detached houses with the front doors hidden at the side of each property to create this illusion.

Semi-detached houses are usually located in suburban areas, in streets with rows of the same pairs. Each one typically comes with a driveway for parking, a garage and a front garden. 

What is a semi-detached house worth?

According to the UK House Price Index, the average cost of a semi-detached property in the UK is a little under £240,000. For comparison, a detached house is likely to cost an average of £383,000, and a terraced property just over £200,000.

So, you could pay up to £40,000 more than you would to live in a terraced house, but save almost £200,000 on the price of a detached property.

How much you have saved for a deposit can make a big difference to the type of home you can eventually afford.

Is a semi-detached house better than a terraced house?

In a terraced house, your neighbouring properties are attached to yours on both sides, rather than just one. Some people may find this claustrophobic. Older terraced homes may have cramped or awkward layouts.

The design of semi-detached properties allows for land, garden, and access at one side. While there may be a garden at the back of a terraced house, you can’t walk around the outside of your property.

Terraced houses often face directly onto the street, or only have a small front garden. A semi-detached property typically comes with a relatively substantial front garden.

[middle_pitch]

What is the difference between a semi-detached house and a detached house?

A detached house, the most expensive type of property, stands alone as a separate building. However big or small, it is not attached to any other properties. Usually surrounded by plenty of gardens, a detached home can offer more options for parking, garages, and other outbuildings. 

Owners of detached houses are free from the possible annoyances of neighbours through a party wall. Detached houses are the dream home for people who want to be private.

Should I buy a semi-detached home?

There are plenty of advantages to buying a semi-detached home:

  • Semi-detached houses are classic family homes, with many of the best features of a detached property.
  • There is scope to extend a semi-detached home and add value and space.
  • Semi-detached homes are widely available and easy to sell.
  • There is a huge range of sizes and types, from small cottages to compact new builds and impressive Edwardian villas. 

The value of semi-detached homes is generally more stable than in other kinds of property. However, it makes sense to do plenty of research on the area you intend to buy in before securing your mortgage

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »