What is a link detached house?

Investing in a residential property is no mean feat, and in the current Cost of Living Crisis, many prospective buyers are having to broaden their housing options.

In an ideal world, buyers want a detached house. No common party walls, no neighbouring properties, no strings! But in today’s market, fully detached properties are not always as easily available or affordable, especially for those wanting to get on the property ladder.

There are of course other property options. A semi detached house shares one common party wall, lowering its value and making it more affordable. A terraced house continues the trend, sharing two common party walls and as such being even more affordable than its detached and semi detached counterparts.

A link detached house lies somewhere in the middle, bridging the gap between detached and attached. This makes them a great option for buyers who may not be able to afford a fully detached house but still want to reap most of the benefits.

So what is a link detached house? How much is a link detached house worth? How easy are they to sell, and are they worth investing in?

What is a link detached house?

Link detached houses were built between the 1960s and 1990s to save money on land, fit more properties into a site and reduce building costs to make house prices more affordable.

A link detached house refers to residential units that are typically linked together by something other than a common wall. Though link detached houses are often linked through a link detached garage, they're sometimes linked through foundations, which gives these properties the 'detached house' look if you're not looking close up.

In some cases, semi-detached houses can be link semi-detached if they're linked to each other by a garage. Similarly, bungalows can be link detached in the same way.

A link detached house is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a detached house because it doesn't have any shared party walls. But because a link detached house is still in fact (the clue is in the name!) linked, it cannot be legally referred to as fully detached.

How much is a link detached house worth?

Linked detached properties are often known as the 'bridge' between detached and semi detached houses. They're usually worth more than semi detached but less than detached houses of the same size, which means they tend to be more attractive to buyers wanting most of the benefits of a detached house at a lower cost.

Detached homes offer more privacy, internal space and floor space compared to a link detached property, which is one of the reasons they're worth more. However, because linked properties don't share common walls, this makes them more valuable than semi detached properties or terraced houses.

Link detached house problems

There are potential problems that come with link detached houses.

• There's more potential for noise issues from neighbouring houses.
• There's less space surrounding them than in a detached home.
• You'll need to cooperate with neighbours if you have a shared garage wall or roof that requires repairs or maintenance, including sharing the costs.
• Home insurance providers may not know whether to classify the property as a detached or semi detached house.
• They sometimes have shared access, for example shared driveways.
• There's often less space to build into with a link detached house, so it's more difficult to extend this type of home.
• Conflicts can crop up if one of the neighbouring houses wants to build over or add an extension to the shared boundary.
• You need to check planning permissions from any neighbouring properties if you want to extend over your linked garage.
• The Planning Inspectorate has said before that a link detached house counts as a terraced house when it comes to permitted development rights, which could restrict you in terms of extensions and planning permissions.

Noise problems with a linked detached property

Noise is one of the most common complaints when it comes to link detached properties because it can travel easily from one property to another. However, this issue is often less serious with a link detached than a semi detached house because it's much easier for noise to travel through a common wall as opposed to a shared garage.

Noise can also become a bigger issue if the neighbouring house decides to convert the garage into another room, as the noise then begins to travel much more easily.

There are ways to soundproof your home if you're struggling with the noise levels.

Extending with linked detached houses

Problems could arise if you or the other house wants to build an extension on the shared land. If one person wants to extend above the garage then both parties will be affected. This means the agreement and the building work needs to be carried out under The Party Wall Act 1996.

What’s more, while extending a house usually increases the property's value, it may actually decrease the value with link detached houses. This is because it brings the properties closer together which gives it more similarities to a semi detached house.

Shared driveways and converting a linked detached garage

Because link detached houses are often linked by the garage and have a shared driveway, there can sometimes be confusion about who owns which driveway.

A shared driveway is prone to some annoying problems, such as your neighbours blocking you in, damaging your drive or having differing opinions about what to do with it. If the issues become unsolvable, you do have the option to buy your neighbour's share, which gives you outright ownership of the drive. But the cost of this will include compensating your neighbour for their loss of use and potential loss of the property's value.

You can convert your link detached garage into living accommodation such as a kitchen or living room, but it would change the entire dynamic of the property: problems may arise if the converted wall linked to the neighbouring house becomes a party wall. This is because sound can now travel through it, so noise may become a much bigger issue.

Planning permissions with a link detached house

You don't need planning permission or a party wall agreement to convert your garage into living space, but it's always better to inform your neighbour about any conversions or extensions if you want to stay on good terms with them.

The same goes for minor changes like replacing electrical wiring, plastering internal walls or drilling cabinets and shelves.

Relational issues with the neighbouring property

With detached houses, you get to stick to your own land, which means you're much less likely to have to stay friendly with the neighbours. In fact, you can just enjoy the privacy of your own home.

A link detached house doesn’t always offer the same luxury. Though you have no shared walls with the neighbouring house, you do have a shared area. It's therefore much better to get along with your neighbours to minimise conflict, especially if there are problems with the shared space in the future.

Selling a linked detached house

It may be harder to sell a linked house over a semi detached property because they often cost more, but have many of the same issues (noise, joint responsibility for repairs etc). In the same way, linked houses may cost less than a detached house but don't share the same benefits, so may be more difficult to sell.

However, buyers who are looking for a compromise, especially when it comes to cost, may find a link detached house a lot more attractive as it does offer a good ‘halfway’ solution.

Buying a link detached house

A link detached house is a good way to bridge the gap between a detached and semi detached house, especially for those who want the perks of a detached house but can't quite afford one. They're much less expensive whilst still having the benefits of no shared walls, meaning less noise, and fewer shared property issues.

Of course, as with all property investments, it heavily depends on the area. While a link detached house may be more desirable than a semi detached house, it's really important to do your research before investing. Seeking advice from expert estate agents will help you to find appropriate properties that suit your needs.

Summary: Bridging the gap

Hopefully you'll now have a better understanding of how a link detached house is defined, and the differences between a link detached house, detached house, and semi detached house.

Ultimately, investing in a link detached property is a great option for those who can't quite afford a detached house but are keen to reap the benefits. No common walls means less noise, more privacy, and more ownership over your land. Though a link detached home does come with certain issues, there are ways to minimise the problems so you can still enjoy your property.

Working with an experienced estate agent is a great way to work out which type of property is best for you. You can compare estate agents using our Estate Agent Comparison Tool here!