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

Features and characteristics of a half-timbered house

The term half-timbered house, which in Switzerland are also known as Riegelhaus, describes a construction method of houses that has been known for centuries. This is because the materials that are and were used for the construction of an authentic half-timbered house are natural materials that were quite easy to obtain in the area and at the same time could withstand wind and weather.

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. This fits perfectly with the country house style, for example.

Tip. Are you still thinking about buying or building a house? Then take a look at our article in which builders and experts report on their experiences!

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

Structure and room layout: rooms, walls, ceiling height & Co.

The basic structure of a half-timbered house is the typical wooden beams, which are exposed to the outside and give the half-timbered house the look we all know. The ‘fan’, the open spaces between the beams is filled with a mixture of clay, straw and hair, bricks and mortar or, very modern, concrete. The type of filling the house has is determined by age, preferences and also the skills possessed by the renovators.

A very special feature of half-timbered houses, especially in cities, is that they become wider towards the top. The reason for this is that even in the past, building land was expensive, so people tried to get the most out of the land they bought.

Additionally, on some half-timbered houses, decorations can be seen on the wood or in the way the wood was set. These decorations show that the original builder was wealthier and therefore wanted his house to stand out from the others. Especially around market places in towns and villages these decorations can be found.

Source: Half-timbered house (Lukinski.de)

Advantages & disadvantages half-timbered house: insulation, renovation and more

For many, the dream of a half-timbered house is based on the fact that they themselves grew up in one, or that half-timbered houses were omnipresent in their own homeland. So positive memories are often associated with the type of construction.

If you’re understandably a fan of timber framing too, or are thinking about moving into or renovating a timber framed home, then we’ve put together a few pros and cons for you to potentially help you decide if you do indeed want to make the move to timber framing.

Advantages: Tradition and memories

As already mentioned, half-timbered houses are a place with which many of us associate memories. Especially the renovation and reconstruction are heartfelt projects for many owners, which are carried out with a lot of passion. The traditional buildings also often enjoy listed status, which is why owners can enjoy government subsidies. In addition, the charm of a half-timbered house is simply unique, and offers you very special living.

• State subsidies
• Living in a rustic way
• Cultural preservation
• Exciting living environment

Disadvantages: Expensive renovation and co.

With historic houses of course also come a few not to be neglected disadvantages, especially in terms of energy sustainability, half-timbered houses can bring quite a few disadvantages with them. However, this can be partially improved with renovation measures.

• Monument protection
• Insufficient roof insulation
• Low doors and ceilings
• Extensive repairs

Half-timbered houses: living for couples and families

Half-timbered houses come in very different designs with gardens and without, in the city and in the country. Above all, a half-timbered house is usually winding and equipped with many stairs. So whether a half-timbered house is suitable for you, we try to answer you in the following.

Families: adventure playground and perfect for children

Families with children will definitely feel at home in timbered houses. The nested houses offer adventures for children and the layout allows most to have their own bedrooms. In addition, many half-timbered houses also have gardens where the little ones can let off steam.

Couples: Renovation as a joint task

Are you looking for a task that you want to master together. Then perhaps the renovation of a half-timbered house is the right thing for you. Because there’s something for everyone to do here, whether it’s larger, craft projects or small painting tasks, a renovation requires all of the above. A timber-framed house in particular has very specific needs. And the living space is definitely there too. So if you’re up for it, all we can say is: get stuck in!

Pensioners: listed buildings and rarely barrier-free

Older people, which we have summarized here as pensioners, can enjoy living in a half-timbered house very much. However, this type of house is very rarely barrier-free and the monument protection, under which many half-timbered houses are, makes it difficult to set up disabled-friendly living. Whether another living environment would not be more suitable in old age should therefore be considered carefully.

Special features: Redevelopment, history and co.

The position of the type of house as a lover’s property is something we have highlighted many times in this article. For multiple reasons, living in this house is sometimes difficult, but can just as well be unbeatably great for other reasons. In order to support the disadvantages and advantages a bit more, we have taken a closer look at the topics of renovation and architecture.

Refurbishing half-timbered houses: potential costs

Renovating historic buildings from the ground up can be really labor intensive and you are advised to check a few factors before you decide to renovate. For example, whether there are experts in your area who are familiar with half-timbered houses.

In addition, the protection of historical monuments naturally plays a decisive factor in the preparation. You should consider these factors to guarantee that the dream of a half-timbered house is not connected with a rude awakening.

• Half-timbered houses are listed
• Historical building methods must be learned
• Experts are rare
• Higher costs may be incurred (400 – 600 € per sqm)

Building style half-timbered: history and architecture

If you are interested in half-timbering not only because of its beautiful appearance, but also because of the history that lies in every single wooden beam, we have put together a small overview for you that briefly summarizes the most important steps in the history of half-timbering:

• 15th century: The frame construction method is developed
• 16th century: Half-timbered houses conquer Germany
• 18th century: Half-timbering is so mature that even huge buildings can be erected in the architectural style
• Today: The historical style is combined with modern possibilities

Energy efficiency: What timber-framed house owners should consider

The energy efficiency of a half-timbered house depends very much on how old the building is and how much renovation and modernisation work has been carried out on the house in recent years. A modern half-timbered house, for example, has similar values as a new building in other architectural styles. Nevertheless, the following should be considered for older half-timbered houses in terms of energy sustainability:

• Sale also possible without energy certificate
• Energy efficiency is often poor
• Old insulation often needs to be replaced

Before moving in: What you should know

In itself, moving into a renovated half-timbered house is not particularly different from moving into any other house. As always, the year of construction, or the year of the last renovation and refurbishment, is relevant to whether the house is subject to special circumstances. However, prospective buyers of a half-timbered house should consider a few factors:

• Historic preservation?
• Year of manufacture?
• Insulation?
• Energy certificate?
• Suitable craftsman?

Buying a timber frame house: Tips & Possibilities Financing

Owning your own property has a number of advantages. As a homeowner, you have a lot more freedom when it comes to designing your own four walls. But with the freedoms also comes quite a bit of responsibility and additional costs that you do not necessarily calculate in advance.

• Service charges: 3 €/sqm per month
• Maintenance costs: 1,50 €/sqm per month
• Notary fees: one-time 1.5 – 2 % of the purchase price of the property
• Recommended equity capital for the purchase of real estate: 20 % of the purchase price

New building in half-timbered style: classical architecture revisited

Are you put off by the cost and effort involved in building an old half-timbered house? In this case, you can also resort to the option of building a new property. There are construction companies that specialize in the construction of modern houses in the half-timbered style.

Pro: Modern technology in traditional garb

Building a new half-timbered house definitely makes sense from an energy point of view, but if you have the time and the interest to let an old half-timbered house shine in new splendour, then you are definitely advised to do so, because the preservation of historic buildings is very important.

However, if you can’t put the time into upgrading a frame house, new construction is a good alternative.

Cons: Historicism

A major criticism voiced by some architects and art historians about new construction in the half-timbered style is that the original, sustainable style of building purely from natural materials is often no longer the case, but that it is only a matter of the visual aspect. Thus, materials are often used which, in the view of some, do not do justice to the half-timbered style.