What is a Link Detached House?
Estimated reading time 7 minutes
A link detached house is a property that shares no habitable walls with its neighbour but is joined to it by a structure such as a garage, conservatory or porch.
It’s not quite a detached house, a property that stands completely alone with no connection to another property, and it isn’t quite a semi-detached property either, as a semi-detached home shares a full habitable wall with a neighbouring property. The link detached home sits in the middle. It offers the privacy and layout of a detached home, but is physically joined to its neighbour by a non-living structure rather than standing completely alone.
The difference between a detached, semi-detached or link-detached property is important for both buyers and sellers as it can have a significant impact on price.
Link detached house comparison
| Detached | Link-detached | Semi-detached | |
| Shared walls | None | None | One habitable wall |
| Physical connection | None | Joined by a non-living structure such as a garage | Joined along a full living wall |
| Typical privacy | Highest | Close to detached | Lower |
| Typical price | Highest | Between semi and detached | Lowest of the three |
| Noise risk from neighbours | Lowest | Low, but possible through the link | Highest |
Is a link-detached house the same as a detached house?
Not entirely. A detached house stands purely on its own and is not connected to any other property. A link-detached property – whilst a detached house in the sense that it shares no common walls with another home – is linked via a garage, conservatory, porch or other non-habitable part of the building.
Link detached houses are normally a little cheaper than detached houses, even though they offer similar amounts of space and privacy.
Is a link-detached house a semi-detached house?
No, so whilst a link-detached house is not strictly a detached house, it’s not a semi-detached house either. Think of it as somewhere in the middle. A semi-detached house shares one common wall with a neighbouring property, and as we mentioned earlier, a link-detached house shares a connection with a non-habitable part of the property.
In some cases, link-detached houses are cheaper than semi-detached properties. Generally, they are a stepping stone between semi-detached and detached properties in terms of price.
Are link-detached houses noisy?
With a connection to the property next door, there may inevitably be a little more noise than if you lived in a detached house. This is because of the linking structure between the two homes. In many cases, the linked part is a space that is barely used, and when it is, it may only be for short periods of time. However, garage areas are often used as spaces for band practice, DIY, vehicle repairs, and sometimes as a converted living area. Uses such as these can increase noise levels significantly and present difficulties that wouldn’t be encountered in a detached property.
Are there advantages to link-detached properties?
Link detached houses offer a host of benefits to buyers. From affordability to privacy, they can be a smart investment for those looking to buy a new home.
Lower cost
In most cases, link-detached properties are cheaper than detached homes. You’ll get the same benefits of a detached house, but at a fraction of the price. This means you can enjoy a private space without paying the premium for it.
Privacy
Many people like detached properties for the privacy they provide. Link-detached properties offer the same, as the link between one home and the other is typically a non-living space, like a garage. With no shared walls, it’s unlikely you’ll get any noise interference from your neighbours, and you won’t have any concerns about prying eyes or awkward conversations!
Plenty of space and variable layouts
Where you may be restricted with terraced and semi-detached properties, link-detached homes allow you a chance to extend and modify your home as you see fit. You’ll still need to gain the relevant permissions, but with more space to play with, the options for development increase considerably.
It’s also worth noting that many link-detached homes share a similar layout to fully detached properties. This means you benefit from the larger living spaces and green spaces you may not find in terraced or semi-detached homes.
Easy to sell
Whilst we cannot guarantee you’ll sell your house fast on the traditional market, link detached homes are very appealing to buyers. With a lower asking price than many detached properties, those wanting to downsize yet still retain the privacy, and to an extent, the size of a detached home, can do so within a reasonable budget.
Furthermore, link detached houses are a little more unique than your typical detached, semi or terraced property. This puts them in a great position to increase in value, especially when demand is higher than supply.
What are the disadvantages of link detached homes?
With all the advantages that link-detached homes have, there will inevitably be some disadvantages too.
Your homes may be separate, but you might share driveways or other access points. Occasionally, these areas could be the cause of disputes, especially if one property decides to dominate the parking spaces or restrict access unfairly. It’s essential that you foster good relationships with your neighbours so such issues can be avoided.
The structure that links the two properties together may, at some point, need repairing and it isn't always obvious who's responsible. You, or the other homeowner? The property deeds should define who has what responsibility, but sometimes it can be unclear. This can lead to disagreements over who should foot the bill for what are essentially shared concerns.
Noise issues
Even though your living spaces are not connected, it’s still possible for noise to travel through the linking structure and affect the other property. Insulation would be recommended, but you’ll have to discuss who is responsible for paying for it between the property owners.
Development restrictions
You might want to extend your home or convert part of it, but this can prove challenging. If any aspect of the shared structure is to be affected, the owner of the other property has every right to contest your plans to alter your home. In some cases, the permitted development rights for a link-detached home differ from those that apply to a detached or semi-detached home. This is, again, due to the linking structure. As a result, alterations that could normally be made on other properties may not be possible on a link-detached home unless planning permission is sought first.
Are linked detached houses hard to sell?
Not always. Market conditions play a large part in whether a house can sell, but on the whole, link-detached properties should prove attractive to a wide range of buyers. The similar size and feel to a detached home, combined with the lower price, make them very appealing. However, restrictions on development, potential noise issues and a worry about disputes with your neighbours can make it harder to find a buyer at times.
Where is the boundary on a link-detached house?
The boundary will normally run through the centre of the linking structure, but exact information will be found in the property deeds.
If you own a link-detached home and have found it difficult to sell in the past, speak to our team. At Bettermove, you can part ex your home and sell your house fast, without spending a penny. We offer two fast routes to sale, one where we buy your home ourselves and another where a network of cash house buyers makes you an offer.
