Imagine walking down a quiet, tree-lined street. Each house you pass seems part of a long, uninterrupted row of homes, all with similar façades but each distinct in its own way. Some doors are painted bright colors, and others have window boxes brimming with flowers. In front of one, a small group of children play hopscotch on the sidewalk while a couple next door enjoys tea in their neatly trimmed front garden. The sense of community is palpable, yet so is each home’s privacy. This is the charm of terraced houses. For centuries, terraced homes—often called townhouses—have been integral to urban life, offering both affordability and convenience. Whether in the heart of a bustling city or the quiet suburbs, terraced houses continue to appeal to homebuyers worldwide. However, what exactly makes this architectural style so enduring? Moreover, why are terraced houses still in demand in the era of modern skyscrapers and sprawling suburban estates?
- What Is a Terraced House?
A terraced house, sometimes called a row house or townhouse, is a type of housing where multiple homes are built in a row and share walls with their neighbors on both sides (except for the end units). This design dates back to the 17th century in Europe and was initially intended as a space-efficient solution for growing urban populations. Terraced houses can vary in size, style, and luxury, from compact working-class homes to grand Victorian terraces built for the wealthy.
Critical characteristics of terraced houses include:
- Shared walls on both sides with adjacent dwellings (except for end-of-terrace homes with one open side).
- Narrow, rectangular layouts, often with two or three stories.
- Typically, there are small front gardens or yards with more extensive back gardens.
- Efficient use of space in densely populated urban or suburban areas.
This architectural form has been prevalent in cities like London, Amsterdam, and New York, where space is premium and terraced homes balance affordability and practicality.
- A Brief History of Terraced Houses
Terraced houses began in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the UK. One of the earliest and most famous examples is The Royal Crescent in Bath, England, built in the late 1700s. Designed to provide urban housing for the wealthy, this crescent-shaped row of houses became an architectural icon.
By the 19th century, terraced housing became a widespread solution to the housing needs of an expanding urban population during the Industrial Revolution. Workers migrating to cities to work in factories needed affordable housing, and terraced homes were quickly constructed to meet this demand. In the Victorian era, working-class terraces and grand terraces for the wealthy flourished across cities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Over time, terraced houses evolved, but the basic design concept remained. Today, you can find them in cities across the globe, often modernized and customized but still embodying the same principles of space efficiency and urban living.
- Why Are Terraced Houses Still Popular Today?
Despite the rise of modern apartment blocks and suburban single-family homes, terraced houses continue to attract buyers and renters for several reasons.
3.1 Affordability and Efficient Use of Space
Land is expensive in densely populated urban areas, and terraced houses offer a more affordable alternative to standalone homes. Because they share walls, construction costs, and heating expenses are often lower, making them an attractive option for first-time buyers and families looking for value.
In 2023, the average price of a terraced house in the UK was £294,000, compared to £398,000 for a detached home (UK et al., 2023). This cost difference makes terraced houses an affordable entry point into the property market for many buyers, particularly in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where property prices can be high.
3.2 Community and Connectivity
Due to their close-knit nature, terraced houses often foster a sense of community. Neighbors are quite literally side-by-side, which can lead to a greater sense of connectivity and support. In some neighborhoods, the tradition of terrace living stretches back generations, and the streets lined with terraced houses become the foundation of tight-knit communities.
A study by Savills, a global real estate services provider, found that 35% of urban buyers cited “community atmosphere” as a critical reason for choosing a terraced house over other types of property (Savills, 2022).
3.3 Character and Charm
Many terraced houses, especially in older cities, have a wealth of character and historical charm. Georgian and Victorian terraces are considered highly desirable, with their ornate brickwork, sash windows, and wrought-iron railings. These historic homes often appeal to buyers looking to blend classic architectural details with modern renovations.
In cities like Dublin, Ireland, where the market for Georgian terraced homes remains strong, buyers are willing to pay a premium for well-preserved or tastefully restored properties. According to Knight Frank, the demand for terraced houses in Dublin’s historic neighborhoods grew by 15% between 2020 and 2022, particularly among international buyers seeking unique, character-filled homes (Knight Frank, 2023).
3.4 Sustainability
Terraced houses, particularly newer builds, are seen as a more sustainable housing option than detached houses. Their shared walls reduce heat loss, making them more energy-efficient. Additionally, terraced housing tends to use land more efficiently, a growing concern in cities trying to balance housing demand with environmental sustainability.
A 2022 report from the UK Green Building Council found that terraced houses emit 33% less carbon per square meter than detached homes due to their energy-efficient designs (UKGBC, 2022).
- Terraced Houses Around the World
Terraced houses are not unique to the UK. Variations of the terraced house concept can be found worldwide, each adapted to local architectural styles and urban needs.
4.1 The Netherlands
In cities like Amsterdam, canal houses (terraced housing) line the city’s waterways. These narrow, multi-story homes were initially built during the 17th century for merchants and traders. Today, they are among the city’s most sought-after and expensive properties, blending historical significance with modern luxury.
- Average price: As of 2023, the average price for a terraced canal house in central Amsterdam is approximately €1.5 million ($1.6 million) (Pararius, 2023).
4.2 Australia
In Sydney and Melbourne, terraced houses are a significant part of the urban landscape, particularly in inner-city areas like Paddington, Surry Hills, and Fitzroy. Initially built in the 19th century, these homes are known for ornate ironwork balconies and historic charm.
- Average price: In Sydney, the average price for a terraced house in Paddington is A$3.2 million ($2.1 million) as of 2023 (Domain, 2023).
4.3 North America
In cities like New York and Philadelphia, terraced houses (often row houses or townhouses) are vital to the urban housing market. New York’s iconic brownstones, known for their elegant stone facades and wide stoops, are a classic example of terraced housing.
- Average price: In Brooklyn, New York, the average price for a brownstone terraced house was $2.8 million in 2023, a significant increase over the past decade as demand for urban housing rises (Zillow, 2023).
- Challenges Facing Terraced Houses
While terraced houses remain popular, they still need their challenges.
5.1 Limited Space
The narrow layouts of terraced houses can sometimes pose limitations, particularly compared to more spacious detached homes or modern apartments. For families or those seeking larger open-plan living spaces, the compact nature of terraced homes can be a drawback.
5.2 Noise and Privacy
Shared walls can sometimes mean noise disturbances from neighbors, and privacy can be more of a concern than in standalone homes. This is particularly true in older terraced houses with thinner walls that lack modern soundproofing.
- The Future of Terraced Housing
As cities grow and the need for sustainable, space-efficient housing becomes more critical, terraced houses will likely play a vital role in future urban development. In places like London, where housing shortages are acute, the city increasingly turns to medium-density housing solutions like terraces to meet demand.
Moreover, modern terraced homes are designed with flexibility and sustainability in mind. Developments in cities such as London, Sydney, and Amsterdam now incorporate eco-friendly materials, rooftop gardens, and modular designs, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers and those looking for intelligent, future-proof homes.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Terraced Houses
Terraced houses have stood the test of time, evolving from their origins in the 17th century to become a popular and practical housing solution in modern cities worldwide. Their blend of affordability, character, community, and sustainability ensures they remain a sought-after choice for homebuyers today. As urban populations grow, terraced houses will likely continue offering a versatile, charming, and environmentally friendly solution for generations.
