House Types

In the UK we have literally hundreds of different types of properties. Some date back to cave times, some are in excess of 400 years old. Some properties are all on one level others are on four or more floors. Some miles away from anywhere, some on top of another!

Content

• Understanding different homes
• Houses, pre and post 1930s; Listed; Victorian; Edwardian 
• Flats
• New Builds
• Self Build

Understanding Different homes

When looking to buy, sell or invest in homes, understanding the type is extremely important as it can affect:-

1. Where you might need to live, for example certain properties such as Georgian properties are often on busy town centre roads. 
2. What facilities you may have, such as terraced properties rarely having access to parking/a garage.
3. What price premium you might pay, for example some new builds or character properties are more expensive than other homes.
4. The maintenance costs of the property. Homes over 25 years old often need around £1,000 spending on them every year. 
5. Type of ownership such as leasehold which means you have to pay service and ground rent charges.

If a property is Grade II Listed or in a Conservation Area, then you may even be restriced to the type of alterations you can make to the property.

Houses

Houses have been built in all shapes and sizes in the UK, from homes dating back hundreds of years to new builds that are just coming out of the ground!

Content

• Houses Built Pre 1930s
• Older Property Checks
• Houses Built Post 1930s
• Checks for Houses Since 1930

Houses Built Pre 1930s

Many homes built before this period are attractive as they have lots of character, are typically of strong construction such as stone or brick, with good sized gardens and prime locations in town centres or small villages.

However, the main thing you need to appreciate is that these properties were built without any building controls being in place, which means you need to make sure they are structurally sound. For example, some older properties were built straight onto land with little or no foundations.

Older Property Checks

When buying an older property, it is really important to make the following checks:-

1. Have an independent building survey carried out.
2. Check for damp, timber rot and dry rot.
3. Check the condition of the roof and chimney, make sure there are no leaks.
4. Ensure if a new roof has been put on that the supports were strengthened. 
5. Have the foundations checked, particularly if you are looking to extend upwards/outwards.

Be prepared to incur extra costs when you buy/own an older property. Always:-

1. Use a legal company that offers no sale, no fee and fixed fee conveyancing.
2. Check out the utility bills as older properties tend to be less energy efficient.
3. Make sure you understand any historic rights/access and covenant issues.
4. Have a gas and electrical survey carried out - any problems can take £1,000s to put right.
5. If you are having work done, then keep a 30% contingency fund for unforeseen costs.

Houses Built Post 1930s

Most homes built after this time were built with according to well thought through construction rules and regulations. But every home whether new or old needs to have an independent survey carried out before you buy it.

Most homes built between 1930 through to the 1950s have good sized rooms and gardens and were built with bricks and good foundations. Many also have garages attached. Some homes are detached, but many are semi-detached.

During the 1960s and 70s the building trade tended to use new materials which haven't stood the test of time. So anything built during this period needs to have a thorough survey to make sure anything that is leaking or not working well is fixed at the current owners cost - not yours.

Properties built during the 1980s and 1990s were built better, but tend to be on sprawling estates, with little character and more compact than older homes. However, they do tend to have en-suites, fully fitted kitchens and that essential downstairs loo!

Since the millennium we have seen many new city flats built - many with better insulation between the flats and floors and in prime positions. They can be quite expensive versus second hand flats, but if you want city life and be able to walk to work, then they are definitely worth considering. Check out our information on flats.

Checks for Houses Since 1930

1. Make sure you know the type of construction, brick, concrete or prefab.
2. If there is any asbestos which needs to be specially disposed of or treated if work is to be done.
3. Have an independent survey so that you are sure it is up to date with the latest building regulations.
4. Check that the upstairs flooring and partition walls are sound proof.
5. Find out how old any flat roofs are and when and how much it will cost to replace them.

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