What exactly is a semi-detached house?

Builders of semi-detached houses benefit from various advantages and can, for example, save money and space. For this reason, semi-detached houses are appreciated, among others, by young families who want living comfort similar to that of a single-family house, but at a lower price. But a semi-detached house is not always the ideal solution. Jens Taube explains the advantages and disadvantages of this type of house.

What exactly is a semi-detached house?

A semi-detached house consists of two (almost) identical single-family houses built next to each other directly on the property line. Both semi-detached houses are separated by a thick wall with fire protection. Unlike a two-family house, a two-family house has two separate entrances and staircases. However, residents often share a continuous terrace and garden with neighbors.

There are many options available to you when planning. When choosing the type of roof, both a pitched roof and a gable roof are conceivable. And even an elegant city villa can be created as a semi-detached house.

Good use of space and cost savings with a semi-detached house

Building a semi-detached house has numerous advantages. On the one hand, builders need a relatively smaller property area for such a house because there is no property boundary between two houses. There are also other benefits that can save you money. As a builder, you save costs because…

Land costs, construction costs and additional costs are shared
There is no need to plaster or insulate the wall between the two houses
Heating costs are lower due to the lower percentage of external walls and the split heating system

Build a semi-detached house – depends on the neighbors

Anyone who lives in a two-family house lives side by side with their neighbors. Therefore, before building a house, you should think carefully about who you want to live so close to each other. Living together can be a lot of fun, but it can also cause conflict.

It is a good idea to get to know your future neighbors before building the semi-detached house, for example good friends or relatives. Also keep in mind that your future neighbor will have a say in the design of the roof, facade and front garden or in upcoming renovations.

Semi-detached houses by the SEA – examples

SEA Holiday 138

MARE Ferien 138 is a modern two-family house with elegant details such as: B. the large windows. The two semi-detached houses each have a living area of approx. 69 m² and their floor plan can be flexibly adapted. MARE Ferien 138 is ideal for couples with or without children. Or use this house as a financial investment and rent a duplex!

SEA Forde 222

Our MARE Förde 222 is a semi-detached house for lovers of the classic architectural style. This solid house offers a large living-dining room on the ground floor and three bedrooms on the attic floor. The floor plan of this home can also be changed. In the MARE Förde 222 you can relax on a spacious 110 m² feel good. Do you want even more space? Then choose the variant with an extended mezzanine for additional living space!

Build a semi-detached house with MARE House

If you are looking for a reliable partner for the construction of a house, rely on our many years of experience as a real estate promoter. We are active in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and will be happy to take care of your construction project. Contact us using our contact form or call us now on 03843 – 501 968 08. We look forward to your inquiry!

Conclusion

Building or buying a semi-detached house offers a practical and cost-effective solution for many homeowners, particularly young families seeking comfort and space without the full financial burden of a single-family home. The shared wall between two units allows for significant savings on construction materials, energy consumption, and land costs, making this housing type an appealing option in today’s real estate market. Additionally, semi-detached homes often provide a similar level of privacy and independence as detached houses while fostering a sense of community between neighbors.

However, it is important to recognize that a semi-detached house also comes with certain limitations. Shared walls can occasionally lead to noise transfer, and exterior design changes or extensions may require coordination and agreement with the adjoining property owner. Moreover, privacy can sometimes be less complete than in a fully detached home, depending on the layout and orientation of the properties.

Despite these considerations, semi-detached houses strike an excellent balance between affordability, comfort, and efficiency. They make homeownership accessible to more people without compromising on essential living qualities such as space, light, and functionality. With thoughtful planning, sound insulation, and clear agreements between neighbors, most disadvantages can be minimized, allowing residents to fully enjoy the benefits of this housing model.

In conclusion, semi-detached homes represent a smart and sustainable choice for modern living. They combine financial advantages with practical design, offering an ideal middle ground between urban efficiency and suburban comfort. As Jens Taube highlights, understanding both the strengths and potential drawbacks helps future homeowners make an informed decision—one that aligns with their lifestyle, budget, and long-term housing goals.