Detached houses Vs Semi detached houses

A detached house be it a flat, duplex or bungalow in some parlance, is a stand-alone, one-family residence, while semi-detached properties on the other hand are often mirror images of each other. They consist of pairs of houses built side-by-side or (less commonly) back-to-back, sharing a common or party wall. In England, certain other parts of the United States, and most of Canada, this style is sometimes colloquially called a duplex; elsewhere, however, “duplex” refers to a building split into two flats/apartments (one above the other).

The semi detached style of housing, although built throughout the world, is commonly seen as particularly symbolic of the sub-urbanisation of the United Kingdom and Ireland, or post-war homes in Central Canada and have remained popular with developers today because they are cheaper to build than detached houses.

In rare cases semi-detached homes have linked basements and are called linked semi-detached. These are distinct from linked homes, which appear detached but are connected below ground.

Whether you purchase a detached or semi-detached home, you’ll be getting the title deed to the building and the land it is situated on. The title for the semi-detached property only includes your half of the building and the land.

Single-detached homes have both advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages are that the entire space around the building is private to the owner and family, and in most cases (depending on national/federal, state/provincial, and local laws), one can add onto the existing house if more room is needed.

Disadvantages are that all maintenance and repair costs; interior, exterior, and everything in between are at the owner’s expense.

If you’re looking for privacy and your own space, a detached home is preferable, as you don’t have to consult with neighbours regarding structural alterations or maintenance issues. You’re less affected by noise and are less likely to disturb neighbours, as well.

Because building costs for semi-detached homes are lower than those for detached houses, you tend to get more space for your money. The expenditure on maintenance can be divided into two, as can the actual work involved.

Generally, semi-detached properties cost less than detached homes, and they often appeal to young couples who are looking for a family home but are unwilling or unable to pay the prices asked on many detached houses. More potential buyers are looking to buy a semi-detached home, according to one home-buying report.

READ ALSO: Difference between “a self contained apartment” and “a mini flat”

Also, inner city neighborhoods of larger cities tend to be densely populated and without significant room for houses devoted to just a single family. By contrast, the outer districts of larger cities are usually transitional areas with equal shares of smaller apartment buildings and single-detached home

Culturally, single-family houses are associated with sub-urbanisation in many parts of the world. Owning a home with a yard and a “white picket fence” is seen as a key component of the “American Dream” (which also exists with variations in other parts of the world). Single-family homes can also be associated with gated communities particularly in developing countries.

As with any property, location is extremely important, so you may find that a detached home in a less desirable area costs less than a semi-detached house in a more sought-after zone.

Choosing to buy a semi-detached or detached home is very much a matter of personal preference, and largely depends on what your needs are and how much you can spend on the purchase.

Which would you prefer? A detached house or a semi-detached house?

Derived from various sources