When you’re looking for a new house to buy or rent, it’s a good idea to know what types of building are on the Guildford property market and what is meant by their different names. They each have their own pros and cons, and it’s important to get the right type of property for your needs and lifestyle. 

What is a terraced house?

A terraced house is one that is part of a row. All the houses share walls with their two neighbours. The ones on the end are called “end of terrace” and only share a wall with one neighbour.  

Terraced houses are usually warmer because the neighbouring buildings provide some insulation. You might well get to know the people you share walls with, and good neighbours are a great security system. 

On the other hand, noise can be a problem, and it’s a good idea to check the parking arrangements as terraced houses often don’t have driveways. 

What is a semi-detached house?

Semi-detached houses are built in pairs, so residents share one wall with their neighbour and often have a driveway, garage or access to the garden on the other side. 

They’re a good compromise between a detached house and a terraced house – they usually get more space for your money than with a detached house, and have more outdoor space than a terrace. 

What is a detached house?

A detached house is one that stands on its own, detached from other buildings. People often choose them because they want privacy. Detached houses can be seen as a status symbol. 

The main advantages of detached properties is that residents don’t have to share a wall with anyone and, while there are exceptions, they are often bigger than semi-detached houses or terraced houses. Because they don’t have to match their immediate neighbours, they often have unique features and can be quite visually appealing. 

However, they can be inefficient to heat so remember to check insulation and energy ratings before you commit to a detached property. Not sharing any walls means that you don’t have neighbours listening out for you, so many people who live in detached houses choose to have security systems.  

What is a flat?

A flat is a private property within a larger building that has been divided up. They come in all shapes and sizes!  Studio flats are open-plan except for the bathroom and are suitable for one or two people while two- and three-bedroom flats are suitable for families. Split-level flats or duplexes have rooms arranged over two floors.

Purpose-built flats are ones that were designed to be flats. The advantage of purpose-built flats is that they were designed to be lived in, so they usually have a thoughtful layout. However, they are often identical to others in the block and can lack character…which makes them the perfect blank canvas for your own ideas! 

Converted flats are ones in a building that was originally one house, or used for something else entirely, like a factory, church or warehouse. They may benefit from charming period features, but occasionally the original structure forces architects to compromise on layout. Don’t let that put you off - a good conversion will be as liveable as a purpose-built flat. 

An apartment has all the same features as a flat, but is usually a higher-end property. Developers often use the term to encourage buyers who are looking for a quality property.

What is a maisonette?

Strictly speaking, a maisonette is a flat with its own front door, which isn’t accessed via a communal hall or entranceway. However, the term is sometimes used to describe a flat arranged over two floors, even if it doesn’t have its own entrance. We recommend double-checking before you commit. 

What is a bungalow?

A bungalow is a home where all the rooms are on one floor. A chalet bungalow uses the attic space under a pitched (sloping) roof, usually as an extra bedroom. 

Bungalows are a great solution if mobility is an issue, or if you just hate vacuuming stairs! They are also great if you have a young family and need to keep an eye on the kids. The downside is ground floor bedrooms, which can be an issue in summer when you want to sleep with the windows open.

Buy and rent property in Guildford

There are many different types of property available for sale and rent in Guildford, and the right home for you is out there somewhere! If you’re planning to move house, check out our property pages here, or click here to register for property alerts. We can’t wait to help you find your dream home!