In the realm of British suburban living, the semi-detached house has often been the subject of caricature, a symbol of safe yet uninspiring domesticity, epitomised by hit TV shows and movies like the Dursleys out of Harry Potter, the BBC show Outnumbered, Birds of a Feather and the ever-awkward son of Norwich, Alan Partridge.
However, recent property trends in Portsmouth have given semis the last laugh, with an astonishing average price increase of 553% over the past three decades. This dramatic rise in value makes semis a smart investment and underscores its enduring appeal in the housing market.
This article will delve into the resurgence of semi-detached houses in Portsmouth and explore why they continue to captivate homeowners.
A Historical Perspective of the British Semi-Detached House
Semi-detached houses have a rich history in the United Kingdom, dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Surprisingly, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they were often called ‘villas’ rather than ‘semi-detached’. This demonstrates that Britons have cherished the concept of semi-detached living for well over 150 years.
While Europeans often favour apartment living with close quarters, the British have historically preferred the comfort of suburban semi-detached homes. These houses strike a unique balance between being close to neighbours yet maintaining a sense of independence, offering families the best of both worlds.
Semi-Detached Houses Performing Well Against Other Property Types
Portsmouth’s semi-detached houses have performed well against other property types in terms of house price growth. Over the past 28 years, Portsmouth semis have seen an average price increase of 553%.
It is interesting when compared to Portsmouth detached properties at 495%. Portsmouth flats and apartments, while still popular, experienced a comparatively modest rise of 404%, while terraced houses performed better at 510%, albeit from a lower starting point.
In 1995, the average value of a semi-detached house in Portsmouth stood at a modest £53,900. Today, these homes command an average price of £352,400, making them an attractive option for homebuyers and investors.
The Appeal of Semi-Detached Houses
Semi-detached houses have always been appealing for several reasons. They offer many benefits of detached houses but at a more affordable price, making homeownership attainable for a broader demographic. These homes were constructed in substantial numbers during the Victorian, Edwardian, and interwar periods, and their enduring popularity attests to their enduring design and functionality.
One of the often-overlooked factors contributing to the appeal of semi-detached houses is the gardens. These homes typically feature a front garden that provides a buffer between the house and the outside world, ensuring privacy and a sense of separation.
In addition, the back garden offers a private oasis for relaxation and outdoor activities, a luxury many terraced houses don’t have. The presence of gardens contributes to better air quality and the convenience of moving items, such as bins, from back to front without traversing through the house.
The enduring charm of semi-detached houses can be attributed to their spacious interiors, which often include larger reception rooms for dining and entertainment. While the bedrooms may be smaller than detached houses, they exude a cosy atmosphere that many homeowners find appealing.
Semi-Detached Houses in Portsmouth
Portsmouth boasts a diverse range of semi-detached properties, from older, character-filled homes to modern builds that cater to contemporary tastes. These homes offer a compelling blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to many prospective buyers.
7,182 Semi-Detached Homes Have
Been Sold in Portsmouth Since 1995
This represents 13.32% of all home sales in Portsmouth in that time frame.
On average, a Portsmouth semi-detached home takes 104 days to sell in the current 2023 property market.
Interesting, when you consider it takes 160 days for a detached home in Portsmouth, 83 days for a Portsmouth terraced and 165 days for a Portsmouth flat/apartment.
The rise of Portsmouth’s semi-detached houses, with a staggering 553% increase in value over the past 28 years, is a testament to their enduring appeal in the housing market. These homes offer a unique blend of affordability, functionality, and charm, making them a top choice for both Portsmouth homeowners and even Portsmouth buy-to-let investors.
With their rich history, semi-detached houses have consistently provided British families with suburban comfort and a sense of independence. The presence of gardens, spacious interiors, and the ability to adapt to modern lifestyles ensure that these homes remain as popular today as they were with the Victorians and Edwardians.
Whether you are a homeowner, a prospective buyer, or an investor in the Portsmouth property market, the resurgence of semi-detached houses is a trend worth paying attention to.
As the demand for these homes rises, they will likely remain a sound investment choice, embodying the enduring dream of suburban independence.
For more insights and updates, please read my blog posts on the Portsmouth property market. Feel free to follow me and our agency on social media for more thoughts and articles on the Portsmouth property market.
