Property types and sizes: What Should You Choose?
Understanding Property Types and Sizes
When buying your first home, one of the key decisions is choosing the right property type and size. This will influence not only your budget, but also how well your home suits your current and future needs.
There are various different types of housing options you can choose from. Berkeley have a wide range of home types available that including private luxury city apartments, traditional family houses in the countryside, and mixed-use regeneration schemes. These are built within vibrant mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
Below we round up the main types of home and who they might be suited for and things to consider with each different type of housing.
Common Housing Types
Studio / Manhattan Apartments
Studio apartments (also referred to as Manhattan apartments) are open-plan, space-efficient homes combining living, sleeping and kitchen areas.
Ideal for first-time buyers seeking a lower entry point in central locations.
Best suited for:- Single professionals
- First-time buyers with smaller budgets
- Buyers prioritising location over space
Things to consider:
- Limited storage
- Less separation between living and sleeping areas
- May feel restrictive if your circumstances change
1–2 bedroom apartments
Offer more space and flexibility, suitable for individuals, couples or those planning for future needs.
A second bedroom can provide useful flexibility, whether as a home office, guest room or extra storage space.
Best suited for:
- Individuals and couples
- Buyers working from home
- Those wanting additional flexibility for guests, hobbies or future plans
3+ bedroom homes
Larger properties suited to families or buyers looking for long-term space and flexibility.
These homes typically provide greater flexibility, with additional bedrooms that can adapt to changing needs over time.
Best suited for:
- Growing families
- Multi-generational households
- Buyers planning to stay in their home for the long term
High-Rise / Sky-Rise Apartments
Located in taller buildings, often offering elevated views, modern amenities and central, well-connected locations.
Many high-rise developments also offer shared amenities such as concierge services, gyms, landscaped gardens and residents' lounges.
Things to consider:
- Service charges may be higher
- Outdoor space is often shared rather than private
- Lift access may be an important factor for some buyers
Apartments vs Houses
Apartments generally provide low-maintenance, modern living, while houses offer more space, privacy and outdoor areas.
Benefits of apartments
Apartments are often located in well-connected areas close to shops, restaurants, workplaces and transport links. They can also require less day-to-day maintenance than a house, making them an attractive option for busy lifestyles.
Benefits of houses
Houses typically offer more internal space, greater privacy and access to private outdoor areas such as gardens. They may be particularly appealing to families or buyers planning for the long term.
The different types of housing available include:
- Detached
- Semi-detached
- Village houses
- Townhouses
- Grade II listed conversions
How to Choose the Right Property Type
The right property will depend on your budget, lifestyle and long-term plans. Taking time to consider how you live now, and how that might change, can help you choose a home that continues to suit you in the years ahead.
Before deciding on a type of housing, ask yourself:
- How long do I expect to live here?
- Do I need space to work from home?
- Will my family situation change in the next few years?
- How important is outdoor space?
- Do I prioritise location or property size?
- What ongoing costs am I comfortable with?
- How many bedrooms do I need?
Answering these questions can help you narrow down the type and size of home that best suits your lifestyle and future plans.
Current Needs
Thinking about your current needs
While imagining yourself in a new home may be inspiring, make sure to compare the property with the different ways you may need to use it. When choosing a type of housing you should take into account factors such as:
- Living alone vs couple
- Working from home
- Lifestyle
Planning for the Future
While it’s important to find a home that suits your current lifestyle, it’s also worth considering how your needs may change over time.
This may include needing to plan for:
- Growing families
- Needing extra space
- Long-term vs stepping stone home
- Mobility issues due to ageing
Housing Types in New Build Developments
New build developments often include a mix of housing types, from studio apartments and family houses to larger penthouses and townhouses. The best way to get a feel for which might be right for you is to book a viewing with us and explore our development options in person.
Many developments are designed as mixed-use communities, combining homes with green spaces, shops, cafés, leisure facilities and convenient transport connections.
Modern layouts are a key feature of new build homes, with an emphasis on maximising natural light, storage and usable living space. Communal areas, such as landscaped gardens, residents' lounges and play areas, can also enhance everyday living.