What Is A Link-Detached House? Link-Detached House Meaning

You may know the differences between a terraced, detached and semi-detached house… But what is a link-detached house?

I’ll explain what a link-detached house is in this detailed guide. This article will also explore some of the typical advantages and disadvantages of a link-detached house, although these are often very property-specific.

Key takeaways: Link-detached houses

• A link-detached house shares no common walls with another dwelling’s living areas but is typically connected by another part of the property e.g. a garage or conservatory.

• Link-detached houses offer more privacy than semi-detached homes but less privacy than fully detached homes.

• You do not need formal permission or a party wall agreement for minor works on a shared wall – such as plastering, electrical rewiring, drilling to hang shelves or cabinets.

• More major works may require a party wall agreement between the two households.

• Link-detached houses are typically less expensive than equivalent fully detached homes.

What does it mean when a house is linked?

A linked house is a type of property that appears to be detached but is actually connected to another one, usually through a garage, conservatory or side wall. 

Yet the main living spaces of the linked homes do not share any walls, helping to maintain privacy for both households while still providing a communal feel.

Therefore, link-detached houses are often considered a midpoint between detached and semi-detached houses.

The construction of linked houses was common in the UK from the 1960s to the 1990s, according to First in Architecture. This design helped reduce construction costs while offering more separation than a terraced or semi-detached house.

What is the difference between terraced and link-detached houses?

• Terraced house: A terraced house sits in a row of three or more houses, all joined together by shared side walls. These homes usually have neighbours on both sides, unless it’s an end-terrace.
• Link-detached house: A link-detached house only connects to its neighbour on one side through a garage or another non-living area.

What is the difference between semi-detached and link-detached houses?

• Semi-detached house: A semi-detached house shares a full wall with one neighbouring property, with the two homes joined side-by-side. This shared wall usually runs through living spaces like lounges or kitchens.
• Link-detached house: In contrast, a link-detached house connects to its neighbouring property only through a garage or another ‘non-living’ space. The main rooms of the house do not touch the other property, so it can feel more private than a semi-detached home.

And what is the difference between detached and link-detached houses?

• Detached house: A detached house stands entirely on its own, with no physical connection to any neighbouring property. It has open space on all sides, which usually offers more privacy and often a larger garden.
• Link-detached house: Although the main living areas remain separate in a link-detached house, the physical connection between the two properties means it doesn’t meet the full definition of being detached.

Link-detached house renovations and neighbour permissions

The shared wall between link-detached houses is a party wall under UK law. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 governs any significant work on such walls between adjoining properties in England and Wales.

As confirmed by the Federation of Master Builders, you do not need formal permission or a party wall agreement for minor works on a shared wall, such as:

• Plastering
• Electrical rewiring
• Drilling to hang shelves or cabinets
• Fitting kitchen units

These minor repairs are generally allowed without notifying your neighbour. But as a courtesy, the best option is to inform them in advance in case the works are noisy.

Party wall agreements are needed for more major works within your property that could affect the structural integrity of a wall shared between neighbours. In a link-detached house, this could be the garage wall, for example.

The government has provided an explanatory booklet for the Party Wall Act 1996 with details on the scenarios where you need to tell neighbours about work affecting a party wall.

Examples of major works include but are not limited to:

• Demolishing or taking down a party wall
• Insertion of a damp-proof course into a party wall
• The construction of an extension on your property that involves a party wall

Clarifying maintenance responsibilities is crucial when dealing with shared structures in link-detached houses.

Learn more about shared walls between properties in my comprehensive guide to party wall agreements. 

What are the advantages of a link-detached house?

While it depends on the specific property and the type of link between the two houses, typical advantages can include:

• Link-detached houses are typically less expensive than fully detached homes
• Link-detached houses typically provide more privacy than semi-detached houses
• Noise is likely to be less in link-detached houses compared to semi-detached or terraced houses
• Link-detached houses can be a good option for those looking to transition from a semi-detached to a fully detached home
• Link-detached houses may attract a wider range of buyers, including first-time buyers, seeking privacy without the full cost of a detached home

For more details, read my first time buyer checklist.

What are the disadvantages of a link-detached house?

Again, any disadvantages would be property-specific, but potential link-detached house problems can include:

• Link-detached houses can feel less private due to proximity to neighbours, despite not sharing a wall between living areas
• Noise can travel through the shared structure of a link-detached house
• The quality of life in some link-detached houses can depend on the relationship with the neighbour, although this is true of most properties
• Any shared access (e.g. driveways) could potentially lead to disputes between neighbours over rights, parking and usage
• The linking structure (e.g. a garage) could require a shared maintenance arrangement unless the property deeds clearly define the ownership and maintenance responsibilities

With these potential disadvantages in mind compared to a detached house, there’s a common question from buyers… Is it hard to sell a link-detached house? 

Well, there is no clear evidence that link-detached houses are more difficult to sell. The perception exists because some buyers mistake a link-detached house for a semi-detached one.

But a good estate agent would clarify the differences to interested buyers, pointing out the common privacy advantages of a link-detached house over a semi-detached or terraced one.

Learn more about how to choose an estate agent in the UK.

Final thoughts: What is a link-detached house (UK)?

In summary, link-detached houses may have a garage or similar structure between them, offering more privacy than semi-detached homes, but less privacy than fully detached homes. 

Link-detached houses are typically less expensive than fully detached homes. But depending on what is located on either side of the shared wall – and your relationship with the neighbour – they can still offer similar benefits in terms of privacy.

I hope you found this article useful and for other guides, take a look through the Fine Living blog. In my most recent guide, I explained how long it takes to buy a house on average.

Some of the most popular articles on the blog include:

• How Do I Find Out What Restrictive Covenants Are On My Property?
• Non Resident Landlord Scheme (NRLS)
• Buying Property Through A Limited Company
• Do I Need A HMO Licence For 3 Tenants?

Here at Fine Living, there’s a wide range of beautiful London properties available to buy, including any link-detached houses currently available – browse the portfolio to find out more.

If you have any questions or would like to ask about one of our properties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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