What You Need to Know About Homes in England Before You Move Abroad
Thinking of moving to England from the US? It’s important to know there are significant differences between UK and American homes.
When I was deciding if moving to England was right for our family, one of the first things I did was search for properties to see where we could afford to live. But because of all of the foreign terminology, my initial home search left me with more questions than answers.
The more informed you are before starting your search for the perfect property in England, the more likely you are to thrive in your new expat life! Here are important differences between English and US homes you should understand before searching for a home in England.
1. Types of Properties in England
One of the key differences between homes in the UK and the US is property types available, as well as the distinct terminology used in property listings and descriptions. When you are considering settling in a particular area, you’ll want to get an idea of home prices to ensure there are properties that fit both your family’s needs and your budget. If you don’t fully understand property descriptions or know what to enter in a property search, you may end up with something that doesn’t meet your needs—or worse, something you don’t want.
Here are some of the most important ones you should know to help you make informed decisions!
The Flat
A ‘flat’ in the UK is similar to what we would call an apartment in the US. Like apartments, flats tend to be smaller and more affordable compared to houses, though they can still be quite expensive, especially in cities like London, where the demand for housing is high.
Flats are typically found in urban areas, particularly in larger cities, where the population density makes vertical living more practical. They’re a popular choice for city dwellers who want to be close to amenities like restaurants, shops, and public transport. In fact, flats are often located in buildings that house multiple units, ranging from low-rise buildings to high-rise blocks, depending on the area.
In smaller towns or rural villages, flats are less common, as detached or terraced homes tend to be the norm. However, some older buildings in historic towns or cities may be converted into flats, offering a unique living space with a lot of character.
The Terraced House
A terraced home is similar to a townhome in the US. They are part of a row of homes that share a wall, usually with identical or nearly identical facades. This type of housing became particularly common in urban areas, where space was limited, but the demand for affordable housing was high.
Terraced homes first started appearing in England during the 1600s, initially as a way to accommodate the growing population in cities. They became even more popular in the mid-19th century during the Industrial Revolution when there was a huge surge in urbanization and a need for more affordable housing for workers. These homes are typically compact, with narrow floor plans and tall, narrow windows, which gives them a unique, charming character that many people still love today.
What makes terraced homes so popular, especially for expats, is their blend of historical charm and affordability. They offer a sense of community, with neighbors often close by, and are found in nearly every part of the UK—from vibrant city centers to quieter suburban streets. If you’re looking for a balance of character, practicality, and price, a terraced home might just be the perfect fit.
The Bungalow
A bungalow in the UK is similar to a ranch-style home in the US, where everything is located on a single level. These homes are ideal for those who prefer not to deal with stairs, making them particularly popular for older adults or those with mobility issues. If you are considering retiring in the UK, this might be a great option for you!
In many UK homes, the bathroom is often located upstairs, which can become less convenient as people age. As a result, many pensioners (seniors) will transition to a bungalow later in life, where everything is more accessible and all the living space is on the ground floor.
A quick note on bathrooms: In the UK, the term “bathroom” is only used if there’s an actual bathtub in the room. If it’s just a room with a toilet and possibly a sink, Brits will simply refer to it as the “toilet” or sometimes the “loo.” This distinction is important when searching for homes!
The Semi-Detached Home
A semi-detached home shares one wall with another home on one side, and the two homes typically have a similar appearance. This type of housing is very common in the UK, especially in suburban areas, because it offers more space than a terraced house but is generally more affordable than a detached home. A semi-detached home is somewhat comparable to a duplex in the US, where two separate units share a wall but each has its own private entrance.
Semi-detached homes are ideal for families who want more room but don’t want the higher cost of a detached property. They often come with front and back gardens (the British word for yards), making them a popular choice for those who want a bit of outdoor space.
The Detached Home
A detached home is similar to what we would call a single-family home in the US. It is a standalone dwelling on its own plot of land, with no shared walls or common spaces.
Detached homes are typically the most expensive type of property, especially if they’re located within a city or a popular village. They offer the most privacy and space, making them a highly sought-after option for those who want a bit more room and don’t mind paying a premium for it.
The English Cottage
Last but certainly not least, we have everyone’s favorite—the cottage. These are typically small, charming properties with a lot of character, often steeped in history, and usually found in the countryside. Cottages can vary quite a bit in price, depending on their location and condition. In rural areas, they may be more affordable, but if they’re in popular tourist spots or near desirable villages, they can still be quite expensive.
Owning a cottage in the UK can be a dream, but there are a few things to consider. Older cottages may require significant maintenance, especially if they feature traditional materials like thatched roofs or antique plumbing. Additionally, if you plan to renovate, be aware that many cottages, particularly listed ones, have strict planning permissions. Energy efficiency can also be an issue, with some cottages needing upgrades to meet modern standards. Overall, cottages can be quite expensive or relatively reasonable depending on their location and condition.
2. Size
(Above) The average UK home size on the right and the average size American home size on the left.
Another key difference between UK and American homes is size. The average home in the UK and much of Europe is significantly smaller than in the US. This is so important to understand when searching for a home because I’ve come across listings for four-bedroom homes that seem spacious online, but the floor plans reveal they’re under 800 sq. ft. The average home size in the UK is around 800 sq ft, compared to the US average of 2,400 sq. ft.
If you’re comfortable with downsizing, that’s perfect. But it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. When we moved to England, we rented a five-bedroom home that was only 1200 sq. ft. . Having traveled through Europe and stayed in smaller spaces, our teenagers had a sense of what to expect. However, I also made sure to prepare them by being upfront with them—moving to England meant giving up their spacious American bedrooms and the finished basement they loved hanging out in with their friends.
You might assume that UK homes are smaller because many were built centuries ago, but the reality is that even new builds in the UK are getting smaller.
There are several reasons for this, with the biggest being space. The US has a population of 300 million people spread across a vast landmass, while the UK has only about 60 million people living on a much smaller area.
Another reason for smaller homes across Europe is the cultural focus on a lifestyle that values experiences over material possessions. European living spaces reflect this mindset. Instead of focusing on buying more stuff, the European lifestyle often centers around enjoying life’s moments. For instance, my co-workers are always chatting about their upcoming family holidays, but never about the latest gadgets or the new TV they just bought.
3. Bedrooms
Bedrooms in the UK are often quite small, and during your home search, you’ll need to be cautious—there are no official restrictions on what can be called a “bedroom.”
A single bedroom, or sleeper, may only fit a single bed with little to no extra room. These spaces are often used as offices or tiny nurseries. A double bedroom, on the other hand, should fit a bed along with a dresser or wardrobe, but it will likely still be smaller than what you’re used to in the US.
It’s important to research the price per square foot in the areas you’re considering in the UK. Be honest with yourself about how your family might adapt to tighter quarters. Could your kids share a room for a while? Would you consider sleeping on a pull-out couch if it meant living in London? How much space do you truly need to be happy?
When I think about our house in Colorado, it’s amazing to imagine having that much space—it feels downright palatial! I do miss it sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade my life here for a bigger house. Life in Europe is smaller, slower, more intimate—and absolutely perfect for us.
4. Appliances
Another difference between UK and American homes is the appliances. Don’t assume that the home you’re looking at will have a full-size washer, dryer, and fridge. If that’s important to you, keep reading!
In the UK, appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are called “white goods,” and you’ll often see this term in property listings. Refrigerators, in particular, are typically smaller—often less than half the size of an American fridge in a typical household. This is partly because Europeans tend to shop more frequently for fresh produce, meats, and breads. Food in the UK often has fewer preservatives, so it comes in smaller packages and has a shorter shelf life.
When we first moved to England the place we rented a place had a tiny fridge. I thought it would be a disaster! But we actually cook more now and waste far less food. Our small fridge is more than enough for our new life in the UK.
Another difference between UK and American homes is that you will often find the clothes washer in the kitchen. This really again comes to down to space and is especially common in flats, terraced homes, and some cottages. The clothes washer and dryer will often come combined in one unit and will be smaller than American size washer and dryers.
4. Closets (Or Lack Of!)
Closets are rare in the UK. And when I say “closets,” I’m not talking about walk-in closets with shelves for your shoes—that’s a unicorn. I mean any closet at all.
One of the most stressful questions people ask themselves when moving to a new country is, “What should I bring?” When you think about your new living space, assume there will be no closets unless specifically stated. This may influence what you choose to bring with you. In Europe, most people store their clothes on railings or in wardrobes. The temperate climate in many parts of the UK means you need less clothing to accommodate extreme temperatures. Moving to a new country is also a great opportunity to declutter.
Take only the things you truly need or love. It’s a chance to unburden yourself, let go of old things, and rethink how you live. Be thoughtful about what you bring into your new home. It’s a unique opportunity to redesign your space and, more importantly, your life.
Looking for more in-depth information? Check out our top-selling guide!
Moving to England : The Ultimate Guide to Moving Overseas and Living Your Best Life in the UK
Now available in paperback and ebook format.
6. Yards (Or Gardens in the UK)
We can’t talk about English homes without mentioning English gardens! It’s important to note that Brits call all yards “gardens,” so if you’re searching for a property and want a yard, make sure you search for one with a “garden.”
You might find that homes with gardens in the UK are either hard to come by or out of your price range. For those who love gardening, this can be disheartening. But don’t despair! When we rented our first home in England, it didn’t have a garden, and we were disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to plant anything.
But then we discovered the magic of container gardening. Thanks to the temperate climate, plants can over-winter beautifully in pots. can grow almost anything—flowers, herbs, even large trees—in containers. So, even in a rental without a garden, you can start your own English container garden—and when you move, you can take it all with you!
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