The semi-detached house offers privacy and community life. Are you planning to buy a semi-detached house and want to know more about the particularities of these homes? Architectural design, legal aspects, market trends: follow the guide!

What is a semi-detached house?

Semi-detached or semi-detached houses share a common wall with another house, without involving co-ownership of the land.

They have a similar architectural style to their “twin”.

Semi-detached houses are different from detached houses (without a common wall) and townhouses (which share several walls with other houses).

Appearing in England in the 19th century, these houses were designed to reduce construction costs. In France, they are frequently found in peri-urban areas.

Terraced house and semi-detached house: what’s the difference?

Terraced houses share one or two entire sides with neighboring buildings.

Semi-detached houses are a type of terraced house that only shares a common wall. They also sometimes lean against each other without sharing the same wall.

These houses with symmetrical facades are generally built side by side, on the same land, and sometimes on a common slab.

Semi-detached house: what does the law say?

French law does not recognize the term “semi-detached house”. However, some semi-detached houses may be adjoining.

 

The law defines joint ownership in articles 653 to 673 of the Civil Code.

The legislator provides in particular that:

• The walls which separate two adjoining properties (buildings, courtyards, gardens, enclosures) are presumed to be shared.
• The maintenance, repairs and reconstruction of a shared wall are the responsibility of both owners. These operations must be carried out by mutual agreement.
• No opening (doors, windows) may be made in a shared wall without the neighbor’s consent.
• Each neighbor is responsible for any damage they cause to the wall and must be solely responsible for repairing the damage.

What design for a semi-detached house?

The typical plan of a semi-detached house emphasizes symmetry and spatial efficiency.

The interior layout is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation to create welcoming and comfortable living spaces.

This attention to the layout of the rooms contributes to the well-being of the residents, while reflecting a modern lifestyle.

What materials are most used for a semi-detached house?

Semi-detached houses are often built with materials that combine durability and aesthetics.

Brick, wood and concrete are frequently used, giving rise to facades that are both classic and contemporary.

These choices of materials are not limited to the exterior appearance but also influence the thermal and acoustic insulation, essential in buildings that share a common wall.

Read Other: What is Semi Detached House?

Full ownership vs. long-term lease: what are the differences?

When you buy a semi-detached house, you must distinguish between full ownership and long-term lease.

Full ownership refers to an individual’s complete and exclusive right to their property, allowing them to use, enjoy and dispose of their real estate as they see fit.

Full ownership includes semi-detached houses, where each owner has full ownership of their house and the land on which it is built, without any joint ownership of the latter.

The long-term lease, for its part, is a contract by which the owner (lessor) grants another person (lessee) the right to enjoy real estate for a long period, which can range from 18 to 99 years.

This type of lease allows the lessee to have a real and lasting right over the property, with the possibility of carrying out construction or improvements there.

Although less common for single-family or semi-detached houses, the emphyteutic lease is frequently used for land on which buildings are constructed or for specific real estate projects.

What are the advantages of a semi-detached house?

Semi-detached houses offer an intermediate solution between individual and collective housing. They make it possible to optimize urban space while offering each owner the exclusive use of their home and garden.

This type of housing is particularly popular in peri-urban residential areas, where it meets the demand for individual housing at controlled costs.

Semi-detached houses are often designed to reflect an architectural harmony between the two properties, with a concern for symmetry and aesthetic integration into the urban or rural environment.

The appeal of semi-detached homes is their ability to combine the benefits of single-family living – such as ownership of the land and physical separation from neighbours – while sharing some of the costs of construction and development.

This configuration also allows for better management of available space, in line with the principles of sustainable urban planning.

How to assess the attractiveness of semi-detached houses?

The market value of semi-detached houses is influenced by several factors, including location, general condition of the property, and its size.

Homes that are located in desirable neighborhoods, are well maintained and offer generous living space are generally more popular, which is reflected in their sale price.

Demand for semi-detached homes fluctuates based on economic trends, demographic changes, and living preferences.

The flexibility and affordability of these properties attract a wide range of buyers, from young families to retirees and real estate investors.

Investing in a semi-detached house can offer an attractive rental yield as well as the potential for long-term capital gains.

Assessing this potential requires an understanding of local market trends, rental demand and prospects for property price growth.

Repairs: how to proceed?

Due to their particular configuration, semi-detached houses can present disadvantages in terms of repairs, particularly with regard to the common wall.

Here’s how to approach these repairs effectively:

1. Identify problems: cracks in the shared wall, humidity or insulation problems, or even deterioration due to natural wear and tear: a regular inspection allows these problems to be detected before they become worse.
2. Communicating between neighbors: Constructive dialogue is the key to finding a mutually beneficial solution and planning repairs in a coordinated manner.
3. Quotes and selection of service providers: request several quotes from qualified professionals to obtain an accurate estimate of repair costs. Choosing a service provider together ensures that the work will be carried out according to the expectations of each party and within the agreed budget.
4. Scheduling the work: Agree on a schedule that suits both households to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.
5. Allocation of costs: Depending on legislation and pre-existing agreements (or in the absence of these), costs are generally shared equally, but arrangements may be made if the problem arises from the actions of only one party.
6. Monitoring the work: It is important that both parties are involved in monitoring the work to ensure that the repairs are carried out according to the agreed terms and that they meet everyone’s expectations.
7. Completion and documentation: Once the work is completed, it is a good idea to document the repairs carried out, including details of the contractor, the final cost, and any warranty offered for the work. This documentation can be useful if the property is to be resold.