Definition of Middle Terrace House
A mid terrace house, also known as a mid-terrace home or mid-row house, is a house that is connected on one side to another house in a row of terraced or townhouses. This style of connected house is very common in the UK, especially in cities and urban areas where space is limited.
- In the UK, mid-terrace houses make up around 27% of the total housing stock, with approximately 5.7 million mid-terraced homes across the country.
- The majority of terraced houses in the UK are mid-terraces, with shared walls on both sides. End-terraced houses occupy the end of a terrace row.
- They are most prominent in England, where terraced homes accounts for 31% of properties in urban areas.
- Architecturally, a mid-terrace house shares two walls with two neighbouring properties, but has its own entrance and outdoor space.
- Renovating a terraced homes tend to be one of the best decisions for first-time buyers, since terraced houses offer plenty of options for modern lifestyle without overspending.
It’s important to note that semi-detached it is not the same as terraced house.
- A semi-detached house is attached to just one other house, forming a pair of two homes. A terraced house is attached on both sides to other houses in a row.
- An end-terrace house is similar to a semi-detached in that it is only attached to one other house. However, it is considered a terraced house because the house it is attached to is part of a longer terrace row.
- Semi-detached homes tend to be bigger than terraced houses and have more outdoor space. Terraced homes often have smaller gardens.
- Terraced houses can be more energy efficient than semi-detached homes since they share walls with neighbours on both sides.
- End-terrace homes often cost slightly more than mid-terrace houses but less than semi-detached homes. Their position on the end of a terrace row is seen as advantageous.
- The main construction difference is that semi-detached homes have just one shared wall while mid-terraced houses share walls on both sides.
Middle terrace houses provide an affordable type of property to buy for many first-time homebuyers looking to get onto the property ladder. Their connected, compact style also makes them a classic component of British urban landscapes.
Types of terraced properties
- Georgian Terraced Houses (1714-1830): Elegant, symmetrical terraces built for the aristocracy and middle class. Characterized by sash windows, basement levels, and uniform facades.
- Victorian Terraced Houses (1837-1901): Mass produced for industrial workers during rapid 19th century urbanization. More modest and less decorative than Georgian terraces.
- Edwardian Terraced Houses (1901-1910): Built in the early 20th century and exhibit more decorative features like mock Tudor cladding, bay windows, and porches.
- Byelaw Terraced Housing: Modest terraced housing built to comply with sanitary and building regulations in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.
- Regional Variations: Distinctive localized styles exist like the urban mews houses of London.
This introduction summarizes what a mid-terrace house is and notes their ubiquity across UK cities and towns. Statistics help quantify their prevalence across the housing market.
The focus is on their defining architectural features and value proposition as an entry-level homeownership option.
Period Mid Terraced House Features
Mid-terrace houses maximize limited urban space while providing key amenities like outdoor areas. Their elongated layout and multi-level design provides functionality and value.
It is connected via a shared wall to one neighbor, with another home on the other side.
It has its own private front door entrance and hallway.
Typical mid-terrace houses have 2-3 storeys, are narrow in width, and have rooms opening onto a central hallway.
They usually have a small front garden or yard and longer back garden.
Common additional features are:
- Bay windows at the front overlooking the street
- An extended ground floor at the rear
- Loft conversion potential into extra bedrooms
- A paved patio area in the back garden
Should you consider buying a terraced house?
Cons of Living in a Mid Terrace House
Though mid-terrace housing has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks for buyers to consider:
- Privacy – The shared walls and close proximity to neighbors on both sides of the mid-row house leads to less privacy. Noise from next door travels more easily through the adjoining walls of these connected homes.
- Parking – With little to no driveway space out front, finding a parking spot on the street can be very difficult in densely populated rows of mid-terraced housing. Competition for limited curb space is high.
- Space – The narrow structure means smaller rooms and more restricted storage space compared to detached houses. Optimizing layouts is key.
- Appearance – The uniform terraced design lacks exterior uniqueness since mid-terrace houses must blend seamlessly into the row. Owners have much less flexibility to alter façades.
- Modifications – Extending or renovating mid-terrace properties is more difficult compared to detached homes given their attached nature. Any side or rear extensions require close coordination with adjoining neighbors.
- Resale – Terraced houses tend to increase in value more slowly than semi-detached or detached homes. Location has a greater impact on price.
While mid-terrace living certainly has compromises in terms of space, privacy and modifications, clever design and layouts can help maximize the available area.
The benefits like lower cost of entry still make them attractive options for many first-time and move-up buyers.
Pros and Cons of Mid Terrace vs Semi-Detached Houses
When buying a new home, two popular options for first-timers are mid-terraceed homes and semi-detached houses. While similar in some ways, there are key differences between these attached property types.
Middle terraced house and semi-detached homes both offer more affordable options compared to detached houses. However, mid-row houses are attached on both sides to neighbors, while semi-detached adjoin only one other property in pairs. Despite their design variations, both remain go-to choices for getting onto the property ladder.
Key Differences
- Appearance – Mid-terraces feature uniform front facades in unbroken rows. Semi-detached have more individual styles as mirrored pairs.
- Privacy – Semi-detached enjoy greater privacy with just one shared wall. Mid-terrace owners hear more noise through two attached walls.
- Parking – Semi-detached typically have 1-2 car driveway parking. Mid-terrace rely on limited street parking.
- Outdoor Space – Mid-terraces have small front yards but compensate with longer back gardens. Semi-detached often have matching front/back garden sizes.
- Modifications – Extending semi-detached houses is easier with one neighbor. Mid-terrace changes require two-sided coordination.
Key Similarities
- Both housing types offer savings over detached properties in similar suburban or commuter town locations.
- Typical 2-3 bedroom layouts with separate floors are found in both mid-terrace and semi-detached homes.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to budget and preferences. Mid-terraces appeal to buyers prioritizing value and outdoor space. Semi-detached suit those wanting more parking, individuality and privacy.
Viewing a mid-terraced house what to look at and pay attention for?
Key things to look for when viewing a middle terraced house:
Exterior
- Condition of brickwork – check for cracks or signs of damp
- Roof condition – look for broken or missing tiles
- Guttering and drainage – should be adequate and in good repair
- Windows – check condition of frames and glazing
- Doors – check condition and security
- Garden size and condition
Interior
- Room sizes – check they meet your needs
- Ceiling height – Victorian homes often have high ceilings
- Layout – does it work for your lifestyle?
- Condition of walls/floors – look for cracks or uneven surfaces
- Signs of damp – look for mould or peeling wallpaper
- Heating system – test radiators are working efficiently
- Electrics – check fuseboard and wiring is up to date
- Kitchen/bathroom – note if they need modernising
- Storage space – is there enough for your needs?
Issues to watch for
- Signs of subsidence – check exterior brickwork and internal cracks
- Rising damp – look for tidemarks on walls
- Signs of woodworm or rot – inspect floorboards and skirting boards
- Hazardous materials – check for asbestos or lead piping
- Planning restrictions – if doing renovations, check with local council
How Do You Know Your Home Needs a Makeover project? You can find out in Home Makeover Guide.
Questions to ask
- When was the roof last repaired?
- Has the house been rewired?
- What energy efficiency measures are in place?
- Have there been any structural problems?
- Are there guarantees for any recent work done?
Thoroughly checking all of the above will help identify any issues and give you a good sense of work needed and potential costs. Take your time viewing and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Mid-Terrace vs Flats vs Mews for First-Time Buyers
Mid-terrace houses, apartments/flats and mews houses are three property types popular with first-timers in the UK. While budget-friendly, they vary in terms of size, amenities and ownership structure.
New buyers on a budget often consider mid-terrace houses, flats or unique mews homes. Each offers affordable homeownership but with key differences in layout, outdoor space, and costs.
Mid-Terrace Houses
- Attached narrow 2-3 bed houses with gardens
- Front and rear outdoor areas provide privacy
- Less individuality but 20-30% cheaper than detached homes
Flats/Apartments
- 1-2 bed units in larger complexes with shared amenities
- No external space but lower maintenance responsibilities
- Offer lowest homeownership costs in urban locations
Mews Houses
- Converted stables/garages behind grand buildings
- Quirky 1-2 bed cottages with patio gardens
- Limited parking but provide outdoor space
Key Differences
- Size and number of bedrooms vary – flats smallest, houses larger
- Outdoor space prioritized in houses, lacking in apartments
- Parking included with mews and mid-terrace but limited with flats
- Ongoing costs like maintenance fees apply for flats
Best Option?
The right choice depends on budget, space needs and preference for outdoor areas. Flats suit singles/couples, while mews and mid-terrace better serve families needing more room.
Buying and Selling Mid Terrace Houses
When it comes to buying or selling a mid-terrace property, there are some key factors to consider:
- Cost – Purchase prices for mid-row houses are typically 20-30% cheaper than equivalent sized semi-detached or detached homes. Expect to pay £200,000-£300,000 on average.
- Demand – Mid-terraced houses are very popular with first-time buyers looking for an affordable way to get onto the property ladder. Competition can be high.
- Renovations – Upgrading a mid-terrace will be more complex than a detached home. Changes to walls and ceilings need consent from joined neighbors, and always require consulting with party wall surveyor.
- Extensions – Adding extra space via a rear or loft extension is possible but requires planning permission. Party wall agreements with attached neighbors are also needed.
- Resale – Terraced housing tends to see slower price growth than semi-detached or detached properties. Location has a bigger impact on value.
Conclusion
Mid-terrace houses provide a more affordable route to homeownership for buyers without sacrificing too much privacy or outdoor space. Though terraced living has compromises in terms of parking, noise and modifications, clever design can help maximize the narrow but multi-level floorplan.
Overall, mid-row houses remain highly desirable entry-level properties. Their connected, efficient style makes them a classic component of urban areas across the UK. For many first-time buyers, mid-terrace houses offer the ideal balance of value, amenities and location.
Q: What is the definition of a mid-terrace house?
A: A mid-terrace house refers to a type of house that is situated in a row of houses, with no houses attached on either side. It is located in the middle of the row.
Q: What does it mean to view a terraced house?
A: To view a terraced house means to visit the house in order to take a look at its features, layout, and condition, usually with the intention of considering it for purchase or rental.
Q: What is the difference between a detached house and a mid-terrace house?
A: A detached house is a standalone house with no houses attached to it, while a mid-terrace house is part of a row of houses with houses attached on both sides.
Q: What is an end terrace?
A: An end terrace refers to the house located at the end of a row of terrace houses. It is attached to only one neighboring property.
Q: What does it mean when a house is described as a period terraced house?
A: A period terraced house refers to a terraced house that was built during a particular period in history, often known for its unique architectural style and design.
Q: Are terraced houses generally cheaper than other types of houses?
A: Yes, terraced houses are often more affordable compared to detached or semi-detached houses, as they typically have a smaller footprint and are located in dense urban areas.
Q: Is it possible to build an extension on a mid-terrace house?
A: Yes, it is possible to build an extension on a mid-terrace house. However, it may require careful planning and adherence to local building regulations due to the shared side walls.
Q: What is a rear extension in the context of a terraced house?
A: A rear extension refers to extending the living space of a terraced house towards the back of the property. It can involve adding additional rooms, expanding the kitchen, or creating more living space.
Q: What are the different types of terraced houses?
A: There are various types of terraced houses, including mid-terrace, end-of-terrace, and back-to-back terraced houses. Each type has its own unique characteristics and positioning within a row of houses.
Q: What are the advantages of living in a terraced house?
A: Living in a terraced house often provides a strong sense of community due to close proximity to neighbors.
They also tend to offer good energy efficiency and can be more affordable compared to other types of houses.
