What are Attached Houses? Definition, Features, Pros, Cons and Builder in Brisbane

‍

Attached houses are residential buildings that share at least one wall with another home. These houses are built side by side, creating a row or cluster of homes. In Australia, we often call them townhouses or row houses. Attached houses are designed to make the most of available land while providing individual living spaces for multiple families.

There are several types of attached houses we see in Brisbane:

Duplexes: These are two homes joined by a common wall.
Townhouses: These are typically multi-level homes arranged in a row.
Terraced houses: Similar to townhouses, but often with a uniform facade.
Semi-detached houses: These are pairs of houses that share one common wall.

Attached houses are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, especially in urban areas like Brisbane. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2021, approximately 13% of all residential dwellings in Australia were semi-detached, row, or terrace houses. This number has been steadily increasing over the past decade due to land scarcity and changing lifestyle preferences.

Attached houses have several key features:

Shared walls: At least one wall is shared with a neighbouring property.
Multi-level design: Many attached houses have two or more storeys.
Compact footprint: They typically have a smaller land area compared to detached homes.
Private outdoor spaces: Most have small gardens, courtyards, or balconies.
Separate entrances: Each unit has its own private entry.

Building an attached house offers several advantages:

Cost-effective: Shared walls reduce construction costs.
Land efficiency: They allow for more homes on less land.
Lower maintenance: Smaller outdoor areas mean less upkeep.
Energy efficiency: Shared walls can improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
Community feel: Close proximity to neighbours can foster a sense of community.

Compared to detached houses, attached houses:

Are often more affordable due to reduced land and construction costs.
Have a smaller footprint, making them suitable for urban areas.
May offer less privacy but can promote a stronger sense of community.
Usually requires less maintenance, especially for outdoor areas.
Can be more energy-efficient due to shared walls.

When compared to apartments, attached houses:

Often provide more living space and storage.
Usually include private outdoor areas.
Offer more independence and a greater sense of ownership.
May have fewer shared facilities, reducing body corporate fees.

‍

What is the definition of attached home?

An attached home is a residential dwelling that shares at least one wall with another property. These houses are built directly next to each other, forming a row or cluster of individual living spaces. Attached homes are designed to maximise land use efficiency while providing separate living quarters for multiple families or homeowners.

The key feature that sets attached houses apart from other house types is their shared structural elements. Unlike detached houses that stand alone on individual plots, attached houses are physically connected to neighbouring properties. This connection is typically through one or more common walls, which are often load-bearing and extend from the foundation to the roof.

Characteristics that make an attached house different from other house types:

Shared walls: The most defining feature is the common wall(s) with adjacent properties.
Land use: Attached houses occupy less land per unit compared to detached homes.
Vertical living: They often have multiple storeys to maximise living space.
Uniform appearance: Many attached houses in a row have similar or identical facades.
Limited exterior walls: With shared sides, these homes have fewer external walls exposed to the elements.
Communal aspects: Some features like roofing or outdoor areas may be shared or coordinated with neighbours.
Legal considerations: Ownership often involves specific agreements about shared structures and maintenance responsibilities.

The term "attached house" refers to a home that is physically connected to one or more other residences. This arrangement allows for individual ownership and occupancy of each unit while sharing certain structural elements. Attached houses strike a balance between the privacy of a detached home and the space efficiency of apartment living.

‍

What is another name for an attached home?

Attached homes are known by several names, depending on their specific design and the region. Here are the most common alternative terms:

Townhouse: This is perhaps the most widely used alternative name in Australia. Townhouses are typically multi-level attached homes arranged in a row.
Row house: Common in many parts of the world, this term describes homes built in a continuous row, sharing side walls.
Terrace house or terraced house: Popular in the UK and some parts of Australia, this refers to a row of identical or mirror-image houses sharing side walls.
Semi-detached house: This term is used for pairs of houses that share a single common wall.
Duplex: While technically referring to a building divided into two separate homes, it's often used interchangeably with attached houses in some regions.
Linked home: This term is sometimes used for houses that are connected but may not share full-height walls.
Patio home: In some areas, this refers to single-story attached homes, often in a U-shape around a central courtyard.

‍

What are Attached Houses types?

Attached houses come in several different types, each with its own unique characteristics:

Duplex: A building divided into two separate homes, typically side-by-side, sharing one common wall.
Townhouse: Multi-level homes arranged in a row, sharing side walls with neighbouring units. Each townhouse usually has its own entrance and often a small private outdoor area.
Terrace house: Similar to townhouses, these are houses built in a continuous row, often with a uniform facade. They typically share side walls and are common in urban areas.
Semi-detached house: A pair of houses that share one common wall, often mirror images of each other.
Triplex: A building divided into three separate living units, usually with shared walls between them.
Quadplex: Similar to a triplex, but with four separate living units in one building.
Row house: A line of houses joined by common sidewalls, often uniform in appearance and typically found in urban settings.

‍

What are the main features and characteristics of an attached house?

Attached houses have several distinctive features and characteristics that set them apart from other housing types:

The architectural structure of an attached house is characterised by its shared walls and efficient use of space. These homes are designed to maximise living area while minimising the overall footprint. Key structural elements include:

Shared walls: The defining feature of attached houses is the common wall(s) shared with neighbouring units. These walls are typically load-bearing and extend from the foundation to the roof.
Vertical design: To make the most of limited land, attached houses often have multiple storeys. This vertical layout allows for more living space within a smaller ground area.
Foundation: The foundation is usually continuous across multiple units, providing structural stability for the entire row or cluster of homes.
Roof structure: Depending on the design, attached houses may have individual roofs or a continuous roof structure spanning multiple units.
Sound insulation: Special attention is given to soundproofing the shared walls to ensure privacy between units.
Fire separation: Building codes often require fire-resistant materials and construction techniques for shared walls to prevent the spread of fire between units.

Common materials used in the construction of attached houses:

Brick: Often used for exterior walls and shared walls due to its durability and fire-resistant properties.
Concrete blocks: Provides good sound insulation and fire resistance for shared walls.
Timber framing: Commonly used for internal walls and floor structures.
Plasterboard: Used for internal wall linings and ceilings.
Steel: Sometimes used for structural support, especially in larger townhouse developments.
Fibre cement sheeting: Often used for exterior cladding due to its durability and low maintenance.
Insulation materials: High-quality insulation is important for both thermal and acoustic performance.

Attached houses are particularly well-suited for:

First-home buyers: Often more affordable than detached homes, making them a great entry point into the property market.
Downsizers: Ideal for those looking to reduce maintenance responsibilities without sacrificing the feel of a house.
Young professionals: Suitable for those who want a low-maintenance home close to urban amenities.
Small families: Provides enough space for a small family without the cost and upkeep of a large detached home.
Investors: Often attractive as rental properties due to their lower purchase price and appeal to various tenant groups.
Urban dwellers: Perfect for those who want to live in city areas where land is at a premium.
Those seeking community: The close proximity to neighbours can foster a sense of community for those who value social connections.

‍

What are the pros of building an attached house?

Building an attached house offers several advantages:

Cost-effective construction: Shared walls reduce overall building costs, making attached houses more affordable to construct than detached homes.
Land efficiency: Attached houses make better use of available land, allowing more homes to be built in smaller areas.
Energy efficiency: Shared walls provide additional insulation, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs.
Lower maintenance: Smaller lot sizes mean less outdoor area to maintain, saving time and money on upkeep.
Community living: The close proximity of neighbours can foster a sense of community and security.
Urban living opportunities: Attached houses are often built in desirable urban locations, offering easy access to amenities and services.
Potential for rental income: For investors, attached houses can be attractive rental properties due to their affordability and appeal to various tenant groups.
Simplified exterior maintenance: With fewer external walls, there's less exterior surface area to paint or repair.
Affordability for buyers: The lower construction costs often translate to more affordable purchase prices, making homeownership more accessible.
Sustainability: The efficient use of land and resources makes attached houses a more environmentally friendly housing option.

‍

Is building an attached house in Australia a good investment?

Yes, building an attached house in Australia can be a sound investment. Recent market trends and demand analysis support this view:

According to CoreLogic's Home Value Index, attached dwellings (including townhouses and units) in Australian capital cities have shown steady growth. As of 2023, the annual growth rate for attached dwellings in capital cities was 4.8%, indicating a healthy market demand.

Research from the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) suggests that attached houses, particularly townhouses, are becoming increasingly popular among both investors and owner-occupiers. This trend is driven by several factors:

Affordability: With median house prices in major Australian cities remaining high, attached houses offer a more accessible entry point to the property market.
Changing demographics: The growing number of small families and single-person households aligns well with the attached house format.
Urban consolidation policies: Many Australian cities are promoting higher-density living, favouring the development of attached houses in inner and middle-ring suburbs.
Rental yield: Attached houses often offer better rental yields compared to detached houses, making them attractive to investors. The gross rental yield for units (including townhouses) in capital cities averaged 4.1% in 2023, compared to 3.2% for houses.
Low maintenance appeal: The lower maintenance requirements of attached houses are attractive to both owner-occupiers and tenants, potentially leading to longer tenancies and stable rental income.
Location benefits: Attached houses are often built in areas with good amenities and transport links, which can contribute to capital growth over time.

However, it's important to note that property markets can vary significantly between different areas and cities.

‍

What are the cons of building an attached house?

While attached houses offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Reduced privacy: Sharing walls with neighbours may lead to less privacy compared to detached homes.
Noise transfer: Despite soundproofing efforts, there's a higher chance of hearing neighbours through shared walls.
Limited design flexibility: The need to coordinate with adjacent properties can restrict design options and customisation.
Potential disputes: Shared walls and spaces may lead to disagreements with neighbours over maintenance or modifications.
Resale considerations: Some buyers prefer detached homes, which might affect resale value or time on the market.
Less outdoor space: Attached houses typically have smaller yards or outdoor areas compared to detached homes.
Structural interdependence: Damage or structural issues in one unit may affect adjacent properties.
Body corporate fees: Some attached house developments may involve body corporate fees for shared facilities or maintenance.
Limited expansion options: It's often more challenging to add extensions or make significant structural changes to attached houses.
Parking constraints: Depending on the design, parking spaces may be limited or shared, which can be inconvenient for some residents.

‍

Who should build an attached house in Australia?

Attached houses in Australia are well-suited for several demographic groups:

First-home buyers: Young professionals or couples entering the property market often find attached houses more affordable and manageable than detached homes.
Downsizers: Empty nesters or retirees looking to reduce maintenance responsibilities while retaining a sense of independent living.
Investors: Those seeking properties with potentially higher rental yields and lower maintenance costs, especially in urban areas.
Small families: Couples with one or two children who want a family home without the expense and upkeep of a large detached house.
Urban professionals: Individuals or couples who prioritise location and proximity to city centres, workplaces, and amenities.
Single-person households: People living alone who want more space than an apartment but less maintenance than a detached house.
Environmentally conscious buyers: Those looking for more sustainable, energy-efficient housing options with a smaller environmental footprint.
Time-poor individuals: Busy professionals or frequent travellers who want a low-maintenance home.
Multi-generational families: Attached houses with multiple levels can accommodate extended families while providing some degree of privacy.
Lifestyle seekers: People who value community living and shared amenities often found in attached house developments.

‍

What is the best place in Australia to build an attached house?

Australia offers several great locations for building attached houses, with each state and territory presenting unique opportunities. Here are five key areas to consider:

New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Queensland (QLD)
Western Australia (WA)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Factors that determine the best places to build attached houses in these areas include:

Urban growth corridors: Areas designated for expansion often favour higher-density housing like attached homes.
Zoning regulations: Local council zoning laws that support medium-density development are important.
Property market trends: Regions with strong demand for affordable housing options are ideal.
Infrastructure development: Areas with planned or recent improvements in transport and amenities are attractive for attached housing.
Employment opportunities: Locations near job hubs or with diverse employment options are desirable.

In NSW, areas like Western Sydney and the Central Coast are seeing increased demand for attached houses. Victoria's middle-ring suburbs of Melbourne offer good opportunities due to urban consolidation policies. In Queensland, Brisbane's inner and middle-ring suburbs are prime locations. Perth in WA is experiencing a shift towards medium-density living in established suburbs. The ACT, particularly Canberra, has a strong market for townhouses due to its planned urban development.

‍

Is Brisbane a good location to build attached houses?

Yes, Brisbane is an excellent location to build attached houses. The city's economic growth, urban development policies, and lifestyle amenities make it an attractive option for this type of housing.

Brisbane's economy is robust and diversifying, with strong growth in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare. This economic strength is driving population growth and increasing demand for housing, particularly in well-located areas close to the city centre and major employment hubs.

The Brisbane City Council's urban development policies actively support medium-density housing, including attached houses. The Council's Brisbane City Plan 2014 identifies many areas suitable for townhouse and low-rise apartment development, particularly in inner-city and middle-ring suburbs. This policy framework makes it easier to obtain approvals for attached house developments in suitable locations.

Brisbane's amenities are another key factor making it ideal for attached houses. The city boasts excellent proximity to schools, parks, shopping centres, and healthcare facilities, appealing to families and professionals alike. Areas like Chermside, Nundah, and Coorparoo, for example, offer a mix of urban convenience and suburban lifestyle that's perfect for attached housing.

The city's public transport network is also expanding, with projects like the Cross River Rail set to improve connectivity. This infrastructure development makes attached houses in well-connected areas even more attractive to potential buyers or renters.

Furthermore, Brisbane's subtropical climate and outdoor lifestyle are well-suited to the attached house model, which often includes small private outdoor spaces or shared community areas.

‍

How popular are attached houses in Brisbane?

In the context of attached houses, popularity refers to the level of market demand, sales volume, and overall preference for this housing type among buyers and renters in Brisbane. We measure this popularity through metrics such as:

Number of attached house sales compared to other dwelling types
Days on market for attached houses
Price growth of attached houses
Building approvals for attached house developments
Rental demand for attached houses

Over the past decade, attached houses in Brisbane have seen a significant rise in popularity:

Market share increase: From 2011 to 2021, the proportion of attached houses (including townhouses and semi-detached homes) in Brisbane grew from about 10% to 15% of all dwellings, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Price growth: CoreLogic data shows that attached house prices in Brisbane have increased by an average of 3.5% per year over the past decade, outpacing inflation.
Building approvals: The number of building approvals for attached houses in Brisbane has doubled since 2011, reflecting strong demand and supportive planning policies.
Rental yield: Attached houses in Brisbane have consistently offered higher rental yields compared to detached houses, attracting investors.
Demographic shift: With changing household sizes and affordability concerns, more Brisbane residents are opting for attached houses as a compromise between apartments and detached homes.

‍

Who can build attached houses in Brisbane?

In Brisbane, attached houses can be built by:

Licensed builders: Individuals or companies holding a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence in the appropriate class.
Developers: Property development companies specialising in medium-density housing projects.
Construction firms: Established construction companies with experience in residential and multi-residential builds.
Owner-builders: In some cases, property owners can act as builders, but this requires specific permits and knowledge.

To build attached houses in Brisbane, builders need:

QBCC licence: A valid licence in the correct class for the size and type of project.
Insurance: Appropriate public liability and construction insurance.
Council approval: Development and building approvals from Brisbane City Council.
Compliance knowledge: Understanding of the National Construction Code and local building regulations.
Safety certifications: Workplace health and safety certifications and systems.
Financial capacity: Proof of financial stability to complete projects.

Livit Constructions is one such qualified builder in Brisbane, specialising in attached house construction. With our QBCC licence, extensive local experience, and deep understanding of Brisbane's building regulations, we're well-equipped to handle attached house projects of various scales.

‍

Why choose Livit Constructions for attached house building in Brisbane?

Livit Constructions is a reputable construction company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, we've established ourselves as experts in building high-quality attached houses.

Our company specialises in attached house construction, having completed more than 100 successful projects across Brisbane. This focus has allowed us to develop deep expertise in the unique challenges and opportunities presented by attached house designs.

At Livit Constructions, we're committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. We incorporate energy-efficient designs, use sustainable materials where possible, and implement waste reduction strategies on all our projects. Our aim is to build homes that not only look great but also have a reduced environmental impact.

Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our impressive 95% customer satisfaction rate, based on post-project surveys conducted over the past five years. This high rate of satisfaction is a testament to our attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.

‍

How much does it cost to build an attached house in Australia?

The cost of building an attached house in Australia varies depending on location, design, and specifications. Here's an average cost range for different regions:

Sydney and Melbourne: $2,500 - $3,500 per square metre
Brisbane and Perth: $2,000 - $3,000 per square metre
Adelaide and Hobart: $1,800 - $2,800 per square metre
Regional areas: $1,500 - $2,500 per square metre

Factors that influence the cost of building an attached house include:

Location: Land prices and local construction costs vary significantly across Australia.
Size and design complexity: Larger homes or those with complex designs will cost more.
Materials used: High-end finishes and materials increase costs.
Site conditions: Sloping blocks or difficult access can add to construction expenses.
Energy efficiency features: Incorporating solar panels, double-glazed windows, or high-grade insulation adds to upfront costs but can save money long-term.
Council requirements: Different local councils may have varying requirements that can impact costs.
Shared infrastructure: Costs for shared walls, roofing, or foundations may be split between units, potentially reducing individual costs.
Labour costs: These can vary based on location and availability of skilled tradespeople.
Developer margins: If buying an attached house as part of a development, the developer's profit margin will be included in the price.
Market conditions: Construction costs can fluctuate based on demand and supply of materials and labour.

‍

How long does it usually take to build a Townhouse in Australia?

The average time required to build a townhouse in Australia is typically between 6 to 12 months. This timeframe can vary based on several factors:

Size and complexity of the project
Number of townhouses being built simultaneously
Local council approval processes
Weather conditions during construction
Availability of materials and labour

For a standard 3-bedroom townhouse in Brisbane, we at Livit Constructions usually aim to complete the project within 8 to 10 months from the start of construction. However, it's important to note that this doesn't include the pre-construction phase, which involves design, planning, and obtaining necessary approvals.

‍

How does an attached house compare with other house types?

In the Australian housing context, an attached house, often referred to as a townhouse or row house, is a multi-level home that shares one or more walls with neighbouring properties. Standard features typically include:

Two to three storeys
2-4 bedrooms
Open plan living areas
Small private outdoor space (courtyard or balcony)
Shared walls with neighbouring units
Individual street entrance

Common architectural styles for attached houses in Australia include contemporary, modern Australian, and urban industrial. They often feature a mix of materials like brick, render, and lightweight cladding.

Here's a comparison of average construction costs between attached houses and other house types in Australia:

Attached house/Townhouse: $2,000 - $3,000 per square metre
Bungalow: $1,600 - $2,800 per square metre
Townhouse: $2,000 - $3,000 per square metre
Cottage: $1,700 - $2,900 per square metre

Compared to other housing types:

Townhouses: As mentioned earlier, townhouses and attached houses are often very similar in Australia. They typically have comparable construction costs and share many characteristics. The main differences might be in the scale of development and specific design features.
Bungalows: Traditional single-storey bungalows usually require more land, making them more expensive overall in urban areas. Attached houses make more efficient use of land but typically have a higher construction cost per square metre due to their multi-level design.
Cottages: Like bungalows, cottages usually require more land than attached houses. While cottages might have lower construction costs per square metre, the overall project cost can be higher due to land prices, especially in urban areas.

‍

What is the difference between attached house vs detached house?

An attached house and a detached house have several key differences:

Characteristics:

Shared walls: Attached houses share at least one wall with neighbouring properties, while detached houses stand alone.
Land use: Attached houses typically occupy smaller lots, while detached houses have larger land parcels.
Privacy: Detached houses offer more privacy due to the absence of shared walls.
Outdoor space: Detached houses usually have larger yards, while attached houses often have small courtyards or balconies.
Design flexibility: Detached houses offer more freedom in design and future modifications.

Costs:

Construction: Attached houses are generally less expensive to build due to shared walls and foundations.
Land: Detached houses typically involve higher land costs due to larger lot sizes.
Maintenance: Attached houses often have lower maintenance costs due to smaller outdoor areas and shared structural elements.
Energy efficiency: Attached houses can be more energy-efficient due to shared walls, potentially leading to lower utility costs.

‍

What is the difference between an attached house vs townhouse?

In Australia, the terms "attached house" and "townhouse" are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences: