House types from A – Z: Features, definitions and advantages & disadvantages

You want to take the next step and are looking for a new property – preferably a house? Then you’ve come to the right place! There are so many different types of houses, it’s hard to choose, and it’s not easy to keep track of them all. We have listed all the house types below with brief definitions and a link to a comprehensive article for you. Get to know the different house types with their respective characteristics and find exactly the right house for you!

Tip. Are you looking for the perfect property for your future? Here you will find tips and necessary information for buyers: Buying a house

Bungalow: no stairs, one floor, flat roof & space

Many people know the word bungalow from the context of holidays. But bungalows are not only popular holiday homes, but also a possible choice for your own home. A bungalow is one thing above all: practical – and modern. This type of house is especially popular with young families, as it combines all living spaces on one floor and, especially due to the absence of stairs, does not pose a danger to children or senior citizens. Choosing the right house is certainly not easy, because it is an important decision that may affect your whole life. Here you can find out everything you need to know about bungalows.

• Bungalow

Semi-detached house: Living with direct neighbours & garden

The semi-detached housing solution can be a slightly cheaper alternative to whole houses. Often you don’t even have to compromise on living space. Rather, the space is saved around the house. As a result, semi-detached houses can save you money. Additionally, it could be that you share garden space with neighbor.

A semi-detached house promises the optimum living comfort with the area of a house at a lower price. Sounds very appealing in itself, but any other option, this concept also comes with its own positive and negative factors, which we will discuss in more detail later. However, for now, we’d like to tell you a little more about what the living spaces of a semi-detached house might look like.

• Semi-detached house

Single-family home: building, buying or renting

The traditional single-family home hasn’t been so traditional for a long time. Quite the opposite. The single-family house is rightly the most popular house form in Germany and is becoming increasingly modern. From the floor plan, to energy regulations, to the little extras. Your house is up to date. Especially for young families, this type of house is something very special, as this will usually be the first home of their own. Are you interested in building, buying or renting?

Of course, when you ask this question, you’ll think directly of a townhouse or duplex. However, this is not everything. A detached house can be much more than just standard. Especially if you are interested in a self-build, you should look into the latest and most modern standards. Here you can find out all about the advantages and disadvantages of a detached house, useful tips and everything you need to know, from the perfect plot of land to the correct energy regulations.

• Single-family house

Half-timbered house: renovation and historical charm in facade & co.

The rustic houses, which are especially widespread in Europe, have their own personal charm. Especially in the countryside and in villages, you can still find some of these historic buildings. But what looks so appealing to many from the outside can quickly be associated with high costs: renovation or even refurbishment are often necessary for a half-timbered house. But if a half-timbered house has been modernised or at least overhauled, it is an absolutely unique and magical piece.

In classic half-timbered houses, materials such as straw, clay and even calf’s hair were used not only to build a wall, but also to insulate it additionally. The most striking feature of half-timbered houses is the façade, in which the literal half-timbering – the beam construction of the house – is openly visible. Often the “work”, i.e. the wooden beams, is not plastered in the interior either, and accordingly a unique living atmosphere is offered. How you can protect yourself from too high costs and still fulfill your dream of a half-timbered house, we tell you here.

• Half-timbered house

Holiday home / weekend house: Living at the holiday resort with sea view

Who does not know it? You’ve simply fallen in love with a place and would love to spend every free minute there. But the workplace and the focus of life are simply too much anchored in the actual home. In such a situation the option of a holiday home opens up. Whether on the beach or by the lake – a holiday home or weekend house can be located basically anywhere.

Whether a holiday home or a holiday apartment is really suitable for you, if the property is not purchased for pure investment purposes, is determined above all by whether the chosen place pleases you and makes your heart beat faster with every visit. Criteria, characteristics, and the question of whether and how we try to answer you in the following article.

• Holiday home / weekend house

Prefabricated house: The quick dream of a house, construction phase, selection and more

What is actually a prefabricated house? This question is very difficult to answer, because this type of house is very diverse. Most providers have a large repertoire of prefabricated house types and you are spoilt for choice. Do you want to live in a detached house? In a housing estate or rather a bungalow? With a cellar, garage and garden? These are all important aspects that you should and can consider when planning your house. Because a prefabricated house is one thing above all: versatile. The main advantage is that there are no long and costly construction phases, because the house is literally already finished. Features and advantages & disadvantages you will find in the following article.

• Prefabricated house

Country house: land, garden and life with the closeness to nature

A country house is a residential building on an estate. The large property in a rural environment usually has a spacious garden. A country house does not only convince by its size and the free space but also by its rustic, romantic charm. But nowadays you can find the country house style more and more often in the city.

This country house style is determined by massive buildings with generous proportions. The house entrances are usually strikingly designed, but the long balconies, terraces, dormers and pavilions are also eye-catchers. Folding shutters, doors, windows and railings made of real wood ensure the perfect harmony of the house. Sometimes the property also includes a conservatory or a carport. Wood, rattan, stone and ceramics, natural materials are mainly used in country houses. The floors are tiled in warm colours. A tiled stove makes this country house cosy and warm – the warmth radiates throughout the entire living space of the house.

• Country house

Solid house: construction, durability & features

A solid house is the construction method of a house, in which a house is built according to the plan of an architect with solid building materials. Each house here becomes unique due to the individual wishes of the respective builder.

The opposite of a solid house is a prefabricated house: In a prefabricated house, the house is built according to the modular principle and consists of a wooden construction. The house is built brick by brick. The building materials are delivered to the construction site, where they are assembled into a finished house by specialist companies. The building materials used for walls and floors are aerated concrete, sand-lime bricks or goat bricks. The staircase and roof construction, on the other hand, is usually made of wood. Learn more about solid houses in the following article.

• Massive house

Terraced house: door to door with the neighbours, purchase price & Co.

Looking for an affordable home near the city? Then how about a terraced house? A terraced house is the perfect alternative between a city apartment and a house in the country. Low purchase price, small garden and/or a terrace in a friendly neighbourhood. We show you what makes a terraced house so attractive and why families and couples in particular like to settle in this type of house.

A terraced house is a row of individual houses which are built directly next to each other without any space in between. However, there is no access between the houses, so there is still the privacy of a normal house. Most of these houses have a minimum size of 160m².

• Terraced house

Beach house: House by the sea – the dream of a house on holiday

You love to listen to the sound of the sea, gaze at the starry sky while the sand tickles between your toes and you breathe in the salty sea breeze? Who says these classic holiday memories should only be part of vacations? Why live in a cramped rented apartment, expose yourself to daily exhaust fumes, and work out in a gym with concrete walls? In this day and age where mobile working has become the norm, Pilates and surfing on the beach are among our favorite activities, and the thirst for adventure is constantly on the rise, the beach house seems to have established itself as the new dream property par excellence. The beach house as an investment, vacation home or home of your own! Convince yourself!

• Beach house

Villa: Living in luxury with lots of space & garden

In the past, a villa, especially the city villa, was often used as a second or country house to be close to the city. This applied exclusively to the wealthier urban population. Nowadays, that has changed. City mansions are no longer used as second homes and are primarily occupied by many families. Meanwhile you have the possibility to renovate an old building or to build a new one. A special advantage is the large garden and the pool, which is often included. In this article you will learn everything important about villas. Buying, building, in a modern style or more traditional? You decide!

• Villa

Energy efficient building

1. Low-energy house
2. Zero-energy house
3. Passive House

Low-energy house: characteristic values, construction & requirements

Sustainable living is a trend that is becoming more and more prevalent and also enjoys state support. Therefore, the interest in environmentally conscious housing solutions is growing more and more. For this reason, we have decided to put together the most important facts about efficient living, so that you can decide whether a low-energy house could also be interesting for you.

Caution is advised when buying and renting a low-energy house, because: The term is not associated with specific requirements for the house! Only if one would like to make the housing unit energetically valid with KFW, certain requirements are made. These should meet a low-energy house in any case. What exactly these are, we will explain to you in more detail below.

• Low-energy house

Zero energy house: definition & advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Since November 2009 the long constructed idea of the zero energy house has become reality and more and more people are now dreaming of turning their own house into a zero energy house. Especially when buying a new home, this type of house has gained popularity. However, many do not know much about the term and simply associate it with sustainable living.

Zero-energy houses are small, building planning and energetic masterpieces. A zero-energy house is oriented in its standard value to the passive house. This means that it does not exceed the energy requirement of 15 kWh/sqm per year (regulation of the Passive House Institute Darmstadt) and also produces the consumed energy itself through photovoltaics and solar thermal energy. This means that a zero-energy house forms a completely self-sufficient entity and is not dependent on electricity purchases. What is actually behind this type of house, you will learn in the following article.

• Zero-energy house

Passive house: new construction, features and costs

Sustainable housing options are divided into different house options. Part of them are zero energy houses, low energy houses and also passive houses. You can also find detailed articles on other options in our magazine, but here we will only talk about the passive house for the time being.

A house is called a passive house as soon as it requires less than 15 kWh/sqm per year. This value is achieved through various measures in the construction of the house. Multiple glazed windows and high-quality insulation reduce the transmission heat loss and thus minimise heating costs.

• Passive House

Beach house: What actually is a beach house?

You love to listen to the sound of the sea, gaze at the starry sky while the sand tickles between your toes and you breathe in the salty sea breeze? Who says these classic holiday memories should only be part of vacations? Why live in a cramped rented apartment, expose yourself to daily exhaust fumes, and work out in a gym with concrete walls? In this day and age where mobile working has become the norm, Pilates and surfing on the beach are among our favorite activities, and the thirst for adventure is constantly on the rise, the beach house seems to have established itself as the new dream property par excellence. The beach house as an investment, vacation home or home of your own! Convince yourself!

Are you looking for the right house? Then check out our guide! Here you will find definitions, meanings and lots of information: House types from A-Z

Beach house: villa, bungalow or traditional beach cottage – The agony of choice

The beach house can be much more than just a huge luxury mansion in the Hamptons or a small, traditional beach cottage in Calabria, Italy. Beach houses are a dime a dozen. It’s almost impossible to count the different types of beach houses. Classic beach houses include the following:

• Penthouse with panoramic sea view
• Simple bamboo hut with holiday feeling
• Beach house with veranda
• Bungalow with terrace and garden
• Beach house with sea view
• Wooden house on the beach
• Beach House Villa
• Etc.

Room layout: terrace, window front or open room layout

Nightly deep talks with your best friend in the beach chair on the private terrace with sea view? Cosy cocktail round with friends and colourful fairy lights, which are reflected in the sea? Or perhaps a relaxed evening with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other? No matter what you choose, there’s one thing that won’t fail you – your personal terrace!

As individual as beach houses can be, a terrace and not infrequently also a conservatory are a fixed component of the architecture. Where else but on the beach would you find a terrace? It can also be said that beach houses often enjoy an open room design. Large window fronts, loft character and a terrace, conservatory or balcony are also characteristic features of a beach house. We like!

Source: Beach House (Lukinski.de)

Advantages & disadvantages: beach, nature and hidden costs

The sound of crashing waves replaces your alarm clock? Daily surf trips, walks on the beach at sunset and cosy wine evenings on the veranda with sea view – all images with which one associates the lifestyle of a beach house life. As dreamy and enticing as these images seem, don’t close your eyes to reality. You will be able to enjoy dreamy walks with the sunset reflected in the sea, but you will not be able to fully escape the typical everyday problems even there. So that you are not disappointed by too high expectations, you will find below an overview of the advantages and disadvantages, with which a beach house goes hand in hand!

Advantages: Summer feeling, sun, beach & vacation in your own home

Whether it’s a two-week holiday in Calabria, a Mediterranean cruise or a trip to the most beautiful Greek islands – the time by the sea is your favourite part of the year? Sun, a decelerated everyday life, nature at your doorstep and much more inspire holidaymakers every year. With your beach house, this lifestyle is not limited to two weeks a year, but will establish itself as your new everyday life. In addition to the improved quality of life, it is also an excellent investment. With a good location, beach houses often enjoy an increase in value over the years. We like!

• Improved comfort, better quality of life
• Slowed down everyday life
• Nature on the doorstep
• Many sports activities (surfing, hiking, running, swimming etc.)
• Long-term profits
• Flexibility (own use or rental)
• Rental income, if any

Disadvantages: Homesickness, renting and hidden costs

As dreamlike as the idea of a beach house life sounds, it can also quickly burst. It is often not considered that the decelerated life on the beach – the nearest city often several kilometers away – can hit the psyche, especially in the winter months. As beautiful as life is among sand dunes, palm trees and high waves, there will be the odd day when you’ll miss your icy porch, your little balcony with a backyard view and your annoying yet beloved neighbors. Accordingly, most beach houses are often second homes. If you’re going this route and want to supplement your income a bit with rental income, don’t underestimate this venture either. Hidden costs and bureaucratic chaos are just a few aspects to contend with here. None of this should scare you away from life on the beach, but bring you back down to earth. Not everything is summer, sun & sunshine is!

• Often a little isolated
• Poor connections
• Homesick
• Hidden costs
• Bureaucratic chaos
• Rental agreements

Beach house: For whom is the beach house suitable?

Whether it’s a minimalist life in a beach cottage in Bali with a surfboard, a year of adventure in New Zealand or a relaxing retirement on the Baltic Sea – the beach house offers space for a wide variety of people. The following is an overview of which type of beach house is best suited for whom. See for yourself!

Beach house adventure: freedom loving couples on tour

You want to escape the hectic city life and dream of a year abroad together with your partner? Renting a beach house is the perfect way to do this. You can start in a small, traditional beach house in Calabria, move on to Spain to a bungalow with sea view, watch the Atlantic Ocean from your terrace in Portugal, enjoy the Moroccan ambience in your colourful beach house and then move on to Australia, Bali and New Zealand. A year full of new impressions and gorgeous beach houses. Financially, you can keep your head above water with small temp jobs locally or with your work at the home office. Convince yourself!

Singles: live in a beach house with rest or party

You enjoy your single life, your independence and self-reliance? Then it’s time you fulfilled your dream of living on the beach. With your independent lifestyle, being able to call a property your own, working from your laptop, renting out your domicile when needed, is a great way to do it. A beach house will decelerate your life and improve your quality of life. Knowing that beach houses in good locations can usually be successfuly rented out offers additional security. Who is ready for the adventure “beach house”?

Retirees: Beach house as an oasis of relaxation – Spa in your own home

Your working life is a thing of the past? You don’t want to spend your well-earned pension in a grey two-room apartment? You want to enjoy your retirement to the fullest? Then nothing stands in the way of a beach house life. A decelerated everyday life, fresh air, the sound of the sea, nature on your doorstep and cosy evenings with the family on the veranda sound like a life that can be lived!

Property: selection and characteristics of the right beach house

Your decision is made? The grey four walls in Germany must give way to the cheerful, summery-light beach ambience? Congratulations! You’re already dreaming of cosy summer evenings with wine and friends barefoot on the beach? Understandable, but as great as your anticipation is, so is the difficulty of finding the perfect property. Here are a few tips on how to succeed in this endeavour!

Checklist: Choosing the plot for your beach house

In order to find the perfect property, there are a number of factors to consider. Here you will find the most important key points summarized in a compact checklist for you:

• Direct access to the beach
• Quiet environment
• Value of the property (pool, well-kept garden, etc.)
• In need of renovation or refurbishment?
• Direct connection to the next town
• Energy efficient living (power sources etc.)
• Good sports facilities (running, hiking, surfing etc.)

In addition to the monthly rental or loan costs, you should never lose sight of the maintenance costs. Facades and wood cladding on exterior areas in particular often require regular renovation and maintenance.

Our tip: Have your building project or rental plans reviewed by an expert during the planning process and get advice. Nothing will stand in the way of your dream beach house!

Living and holiday combined: rent or buy a beach house?

As an investment, holiday home or own residence – the beach house offers many possibilities of use. You want to escape the stress of the big city and find peace and contentment on the beaches of this world? The beach house has enjoyed increasing popularity for many years. This way of life has fascinated you and you are longing for more than just a holiday home? Now the question is whether to rent or buy? Create an investment or keep your flexibility? Below we explain the advantages and disadvantages of buying or renting a beach house!

Beach house as an investment: The pros & cons of buying this dream property

First and foremost, you need to ask yourself one question: Do I want to use my beach house as an investment, meaning rent it out, or do I want to fulfill my own dream of beach living? Rule of thumb number 1. applies to both scenarios: You need to take a hard look at the financial aspects of your plan. What costs will I have to reckon with? Will I need to take out a loan in addition to my saved capital? Do I have a stable, secure income? Once the financial aspects have been clarified, you should also consider the time factor. Do renovations / refurbishment work have to be carried out? The purchase alone is not enough, the maintenance is often forgotten. Especially if you have decided to rent out your domicile, aspects related to maintenance must be a top priority. Here are the most important points summarized in a list for you:

• Stable, own income
• Popular investments
• High yield & stable value
• Time component must be taken into account
• Analysis of the surroundings and location
• Care of the domicile
• Marketing of the property
• Booking processing
• Cleaning
• Gardening if necessary
• Etc.

Beach house as a holiday home: The pros & cons of renting a beach house

Regulated office life in winter in Germany, decelerated lifestyle in summer by the sea or still enjoy the summer in Germany and escape the cold winter months in the south – renting beach houses – whether summer or winter – is becoming increasingly popular. As dreamy as the idea of living by the sea sounds, there are a few things to consider. What is included in my rental price? What is the location of the property? Am I dependent on a car? Are there free time options? Is the beach house energy efficient? Does the beach house offer internet access so nothing gets in the way of my home office routine? Below is a list summarizing the pros & cons of renting a beach house:

• Increased rent during peak season
• What is included in the rent?
• Is my beach house suitable as a home office? (Internet access etc.)
• Location of the property
• Pay attention to financial situation, hidden costs

How to arrange a beach house ?

When you think of a beach house, do images of hammocks, natural tones, palm tree paintings and seashell decorations come to mind? Luckily, we’re in the 21st century, where beach house decor far exceeds this stereotype. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist aesthetic, an oriental colour scheme or a French country house style, the following interior brands will give you a good overview of possible interior design styles. There are no limits to your inspiration and creativity!

• Roche Bobois: extravagant design in bright colours from Paris
• Vera Wang: Home accessories in minimalist style
• Boca Do Lobo: furniture and home accessories in exclusive Portuguese design
• B&B Italia: Interior dreams in Italian aesthetics
• Gucci Décor: Opulence in 70s style