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Average UK house sizes: The 5 main property types

Sep 16, 2024
The Average House Sizes & Average Square Footage in the UK
When looking for your new home, one of the most important things to consider is the size of the property and how much space you need. But what are the different types of homes available, and which one is right for you? Read on to learn about the average house sizes in the UK, including information about their square footage and number of bedrooms.

Key Takeaways

Apartments:
Average UK house size: 656 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 1 to 2
 
Bungalows:
Average UK house size: 828 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 1 to 2
 
Terraced Homes:
Smaller terraced home: Average size of 688 sq. ft.
Larger terraced home: Average size of 1087 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 2 to 3
 
Semi-Detached Homes:
Average UK house size: 1033 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 3
 
Detached Homes:
Average UK house size: 1582 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 4

1. Apartments 

Average UK house size: 656 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 1 to 2
Most popular with: Single people, couples and first-time buyers 
 
Apartments are private residences that are part of a building. They tend to be popular in urban areas and can be cheaper than buying a house in the same location.
 
Most apartments are leasehold, which means you only own the property and not the land it sits on. You may also need to pay ground rent and service charges. Learn more about leasehold vs freehold properties in our guide. 
 
Ground-floor apartments are, on average, 20% cheaper than apartments on upper levels . New build apartments can be a more suitable choice than older builds due to features like balconies, en-suite bathrooms and communal areas. They tend to be open-plan, making them feel more spacious. 
 

2. Bungalows

Average UK house size: 828 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 1 to 2
Most popular with: Those requiring more accessibility
 
Bungalows are single-storey detached or semi-detached houses, although some bungalows feature an extra room on the roof. They offer everything you need on one level, making them more accessible than two and three-storey homes. 
 
Once seen as outdated, bungalows are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.  New build bungalows are often in desirable locations and offer everything you could want from a home – spacious, modern living areas with equally spacious outdoor areas.
 

3. Terraced homes

Average UK house size (smaller terraced home): 688 sq. ft.
Average UK house size (larger terraced home): 1087 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 2 to 3
Most popular with: First-time buyers and young families
 
Terraced houses are part of a continuous row of homes. They’re one of the most popular property types in the UK and are common in cities. 
 
Smaller terraced homes usually consist of two rooms upstairs and two rooms downstairs, as well as a small garden. They may not feature a utility room or any en-suite bathrooms. Larger terraces have an extra room downstairs and upstairs and sometimes have an additional room for storage, such as a utility room.
 
New build terraced homes often have bright interiors, are situated on attractive developments (usually with gardens and driveways) and benefit from communal green spaces close by. They’re usually located on roads with a mix of semi-detached and detached homes.
 

End-of-terrace homes 

If you want somewhere that offers more privacy than a terraced house, an end-of-terrace home could be ideal. End-of-terrace properties sit at the end of the row, and only one side of the house shares a wall – the other side is detached. 
 

4. Semi-detached homes

Average UK house size: 1033 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 3
Most popular with: Families
 
Semi-detached homes share a wall with another house on one side and are detached on the other side. These properties are typically cheaper than detached homes and are a popular choice for families. New builds often feature open-plan living areas, stylish bathrooms and equally proportioned bedrooms. 
 
With only one adjoining neighbour, semi-detached properties strike a balance between affordability and privacy. The average house size is greater than a small terraced home, giving you more indoor space and a larger outdoor area.
 

5. Detached homes 

Average UK house size: 1582 sq. ft.
Average number of bedrooms: 4
Most popular with: Families
 
Detached homes offer the most privacy. They do not share any walls with other properties but are still part of the neighbourhood. They tend to have a driveway and a front and back garden and are usually more expensive than semi-detached and terraced houses. 
 
Detached homes are ideal for large families thanks to their ample space. They typically feature several reception rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. With new builds, the downstairs space is often more open-plan compared to older homes, with lots of natural light flooding in from the windows and doors. 
 

How to choose the right home for you  

When choosing the right home for your circumstances, ask yourself these questions: 
 
How much can I afford? Before you decide on a particular type of home, it’s important to get an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. Explore our guide for more information about this process: What mortgage can I afford?
 
Which areas appeal to me? You’ll also need to consider the area you’d most like to move to, as this can affect the type of properties available. 
 
What best suits your needs? Think about which type of home would best suit your current needs. For example, if you’re a growing family, you may be more inclined to purchase a detached property with plenty of space.  
 
Now that you know more about average house sizes in the UK, it’s time to find your dream home. Discover our range of brand-new, energy-efficient homes for all types of homebuyers. Explore our unique offers and schemes to help you with your move. 
 
Call our Sales Advisers today for more information.