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Original poster

Is my house Semi detached or terraced?

40 replies

catchyjem · 29/01/2022 14:16

I can't work out if my house is semi detached or terraced ! It was originally an end terrace of 4. It was then converted from 4 to 2 houses, so semi-detached. However at some point the other house has had their neighbour extend their house right up and actually attach to their wall! Not all the way up , but like the whole ground floor. Goodness knows how they got permission, it must have been done years ago. The houses are originally Victorian. So it leaves me wondering whether my house is actually semi detached or is it terraced as my neighbour is attached to another row of houses?! I have seen our house described as both and it doesn't bother me except for house insurance you are asked and now I'm worried I've put the wrong option.

OP posts:
Zucchiniinabikini · 29/01/2022 14:21

Diagram Grin

FurierTransform · 29/01/2022 14:23

I honestly wouldn't worry about the insurance question. You just have to answer honestly & to the best of your ability/knowledge, and with such a confusing history it's totally fair whatever answer you gave.

ComtesseDeSpair · 29/01/2022 14:23

If three or more houses are attached, I’d call your house end of terrace. And for insurance purposes, it would be pretty straightforward to demonstrate why you’d described your house as such and that it was a good faith declaration, so wouldn’t invalidate the policy.

Ozanj · 29/01/2022 14:23

Terrace

surreygirl1987 · 29/01/2022 14:24

Gosh how odd. That sort of thing is called link detached with detached houses isn't it...? So 'link semi-detached? Is that a thing?

PickAChew · 29/01/2022 14:26

Safer for insurance, I expect, to describe it as terraced, as you have 2 attached neighbours to affect if yours burns down.

passionfruitpizza · 29/01/2022 14:27

Ours is just joined at the garage, our garage to their house (and our house) and it's a link semi.

surreygirl1987 · 29/01/2022 14:29

Ooh link semi is a thing then!

Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 14:31

Yes it is odd. Link semi detached is a good description if it were an option!

OP posts:
CottonSock · 29/01/2022 14:34

Mine is joined to one neighbour at the front and the other at the back. I never know what to put either.

Nowmum43 · 29/01/2022 14:37

Mine was originally 2 houses and our next door neighbours was 3 houses. I put ours as an end terrace as I feel there what it really is, even thought there are only 2 houses now it's in a long row like a terrace would be.

sabrinatheteenagemortal · 29/01/2022 14:40

I thought a linked semi is like ours which goes house, house(ours), garage(ours), garage, other row of houses. All attached but only through garages so not what the op describes. I would prob say end terrace to be safe.

Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 14:42

Ok so when I first had to insure it I put semi detached. Once we moved in I actually properly noticed the building attached to the neighbour on the other side so thought better change it to terraced to be safe. As someone else said I thought more risk due to being attached to more houses but it actually lowered my premium slightly! Now I'm worrying I'm wrong and should have just left it as semi detached. I don't want to keep messing about with the insurance they are going to wonder why I don't know what kind of house I've got! I feel like such an idiot Blush

OP posts:
Longdistance · 29/01/2022 14:44

Could you draw me a picture please? Just what it is now, not what it was. I can’t picture it Blush usually I’m good at this too.

Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 14:48

Ok , here's a very rough diagram

Is my house Semi detached or terraced?
OP posts:
LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow · 29/01/2022 14:49

Can you not phone them and explain? See what they settle on?

We were an end terrace of five and sold as such, but looking to buy I see estate agents and surveyors seem to make it up as they go along....I have seen semis described as detached...err no, the whole side wall is connected!
I even saw a detached flat....a flat in a massive old converted mansion type place, but c'mon!

End terraces described as semis

pokey flats described as maisonettes

linked detached is only when it's a single porch or garage that are joined.

it's a malarkey !

Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 14:52

Yes, I probably am going to have to ring them. I just feel so silly.

OP posts:
runningoutofnewnames · 29/01/2022 15:04

I think maybe the diagram didn't upload? (Or maybe MN is glitchy today?)

Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 15:07

I'll try again

Is my house Semi detached or terraced?
OP posts:
CellophaneFlower · 29/01/2022 15:21

Terraced houses normally have lower premiums as they're less of a security risk, I assume as they don't often have direct garden access. Obviously not the case for end of terrace though.

popapoppadum · 29/01/2022 15:25

Mine is joined at the top but not the bottom as there's an alleyway in-between and was described as a town house by the estate agent. Not sure if that's right though as I always thought town houses were three storeys!

RitaFires · 29/01/2022 15:28

Can you not insure it as end of terrace? That's how I've insured my house. I don't think describing it as terraced is quite right when you have side access.

Lellochip · 29/01/2022 15:29

@popapoppadum

Mine is joined at the top but not the bottom as there's an alleyway in-between and was described as a town house by the estate agent. Not sure if that's right though as I always thought town houses were three storeys!
This is fairly standard for terraces isn't it? My street has alleys every 4 houses, so half the houses on the street are joined at the top only, I still call mine terraced
Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 15:42

Yes , it's currently insured as end terraced. Sorry I should have been clearer.

OP posts:
Original poster
catchyjem · 29/01/2022 15:59

Actually forget that, I would have selected end terraced if it were an option but I just checked and under houses the only options are detached, semi detached or terraced. So I've gone for terraced.

OP posts: