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

Terraced house: definition, features & everything you need to know

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.

This type of house has been popular with people since the 19th century, as more and more people have moved into cities and conurbations since industrialisation. Row houses prevent the waste of space in densely populated areas. In order for a terraced house to be called a terraced house, at least three houses have to be in a row, otherwise it is a semi-detached house.

Due to the construction of at least three houses in a row, two sub-types of the terraced house are created here: the terraced end house and the terraced middle house. As the name suggests, the end-of-row house is located at one of the two ends of the row and the middle-of-row house in the middle of the building complex.

Often these are located near or on the outskirts of the city and are therefore not far from the centre and schools, universities and shops. For many, this makes the terraced house a cost-effective alternative to a house in the countryside with poor infrastructure. Every style can be catered for in a terraced house – from a retro charm inspired by the 60s or new build – you’re sure to find the right terraced house for you here!

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

Room layout: living room, kitchen, bathroom and co.

What kind of room layout can you expect in a terraced house? In many terraced house layouts, the living room and kitchen are located on the ground floor. The bathroom and other rooms, such as the children’s room, are usually located on the upper floor.

Suitable for whom? Ideal solution for families & couples

Row houses come in both simple and luxurious versions, accordingly, row house prospective buyers have people of different social groups. A terraced house is particularly attractive for families and young couples. How they benefit from a terraced house, you can read here.

Families: quiet zones to play with the neighbourhood children

The terraced house is very popular with families. The traffic-calmed settlements offer a suitable place for children to play, friendships can form here especially with neighbourhood children of the same age.

Parents who are employed and work full time have less time but also money to invest in their own property when they buy a townhouse.

Couples: togetherness in a home on the outskirts of town for couples

But it is not only families who see a terraced house as a perfect choice. Investing in a terraced house is also becoming increasingly attractive for young couples. Rather a small home on the outskirts than an expensive multi-room apartment directly in the center. In addition, the purchase of the terraced house can also be beneficial for later family planning.

Advantages and disadvantages: Purchase price, neighbors, garden & Co.

The uniqueness and special features can lead to many advantages but also disadvantages. We’ll get to the bottom of these and show you the upsides and downsides of a townhome, and help you make your next big decision.

Advantages: low purchase price, good infrastructure & neighbourhood support

Living in a terraced house brings with it a number of advantages. Lower land prices are a good reason to choose a terraced house over a detached house.

Due to the location in the city, you also benefit from a good infrastructure. Trams, buses and schools right near you. You have a wide choice when it comes to finding the right townhouse, if in the city you will find numerous such houses.

Sharing a plot of land with other people also has advantages when it comes to building. You also save costs when building the roof. The maintenance costs are also kept low.

With a mid-terrace house, the ancillary costs are kept within a manageable range, often these are only just above those of an apartment. The two adjacent houses ensure that the middle house is protected from heat and cold.

Direct proximity to the neighbours does not only have disadvantages: Joint barbecue and game evenings, mutual respect and caring for each other are the positive aspects.

• Low purchase price
• Good infrastructure
• Large selection of terraced houses
• Low construction costs
• Low maintenance costs
• Manageable additional costs
• Middle house is protected from cold and heat
• Neighbourly help and friendships

Disadvantages: Noise, small yard, neighbor dispute & low sales value.

But living in a terraced house can also bring just as many negative points and potential for conflict. Due to the closely built settlements, one is in close contact with the neighbours, especially here. Conflict issues such as noise or differences in joint decisions to be made.

Unlike a single-family home, the resale value here is comparatively low.

The two added walls created by the location of a mid-terrace home allow windows to be placed on only two walls of the home. If the right furnishings and color choices are not made here, the living space can quickly become depressed and gloomy.

There is usually only one mini-garden per unit per terraced house, but lovers of large gardens and their own green spaces can be put off here with an additional terrace. The open spaces of the house are between 50 and 100 square metres in size.

• Direct proximity to neighbours -> source of noise, points of dispute
• No big garden
• Low resale price
• Few windows for mid-terrace house
• Mid-terrace house: windows only possible from two sides

Source: Row house (Lukinski.de)

Buy: Yes or no? – Help for the right decision

Deciding to buy a townhome is just the thing for those who needed a little more space and still don’t want to completely break away from the city. But what should you consider when buying a townhouse?

The price of a row house is significantly cheaper than that of a single-family house you know now, but what is actually the cheapest among the row houses. The cheapest way you strike thereby with a row middle house. But besides the price, you should also be aware of other important points: How big do you want your home to be? Which rooms do you want to have and what is the layout of the individual rooms? These are important points, but external factors such as the surroundings, neighbours and parking facilities should also play a role.

Here’s what you should be aware of before buying your home:

• House size
• Building condition
• Purchase price
• Location
• Room layout
• Neighborhood
• Privacy
• Sound insulation
• Window/light incidence
• Basement
• Parking

Alternatively, you can also rent a terraced house, which saves you money and doesn’t tie you down to the house as much as buying it. So you are always flexible.

Small furniture, functional furniture, lots of light: this is how you feel comfortable in your terraced house

Narrow but deep – this is what the floor plan of a terraced house looks like. Your main furniture, for example, should best be positioned at the wall ends so that your room appears visually wider. You should also decide against placing your furniture lengthwise in the room, instead you should spread it out in the room as much as possible. Small and delicate furniture works much better here than large furniture, which can quickly appear oppressive.

Light wall colours for the long walls and dark accents for the short walls – this method makes your rooms look airier, more open and wider. Functional furniture and lots of light sources are also ideal for terraced houses.

Tip! Our Interior XXL Guide has everything for you on the subject of furnishing and design! Numerous interior brands of different styles are waiting for you here: Furnishing brands