h2g2 - Terraced Houses

Tips for those thinking of buying and living in a terraced house.

Some terraced houses only have one brick party walls between the houses. It is wise therefore never to drill into the party walls.

One brick walls also have little sound proofing qualities, so try to find out about the neighbours before buying a terraced house. For instance if one doesn't like country music buying a house next door to a neighbour who goes to line dancing lessons is unwise.

Some terraced houses do not have party walls in the attics.
Neighbours could in theory gain access to each others house at any time.

Terraced Houses may have their water supplied by "common supply pipe". This means that there will be a water pipe under the kitchen floor linking all the houses , and water pressure will be very low.

Ceilings are very high and this means it will cost a fortune to buy expensive wallpaper . A good tip is to put up a picture rail and paint the wall white or use cheap white paper above the picture rail and only use the expensive wallpaper below the picture rail.

The downpipes which carry rainwater from the gutters are only on some of the houses. In theory all the houses which feed into the pipe are responsibe for the cost of repair but they don't always pay up , so try to buy a house which does not have a downpipe.

Avoid end of terrace houses. Having an extra external wall means the house is colder.

Staircases in terraced houses are very narrow and have steep stairs. It is best to buy the sort of furniture which is delivered in pieces and is assembled by you, otherwise you may find yourself stuck with a large wardrobe in your living room because it won't go up the stairs.


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