| Mazty said: As the title suggests, I'd like to get people's opinions on housing in these two countries, especially with regard to the price. It's not unknow that UK housing is pretty small, but what to the people in the US think of these properties? Thoughts? Good value for money? Same as where you are? Different? |
Most American's would find UK houses small. The average UK house are built in what is called "Cottage Style", with a living attic for the second floor. Charming, to say the least, but it reduces the living spaces, primarily the bedrooms.
One modern house I looked at in the UK had 3 bedrooms, which is large, but that third bedroom was 8' by 10'. You could fit a single bed, and a single upright dresser, with a wardrobe for hanging clothes. Significantly smaller than a modern bedroom in a modern US 3 bedroom house, which happens to include a full-size closet for hanging clothes.
Not to mention the bathrooms are extremely compact. My bathroom in my house was as big as a friend's bedroom in her mother's house. And then there's the refrigerator in the kitchen. :/ Can we say tiny. The average house in the UK has what would be considered an apartment sized refrigerator.
Finally, there is the amount of actual property you get when you buy a house. The average lot in the US is between 1/4 to 1/2 acre. With 1 and 2 acre lots being common. If you're lucky, you have 10' or more between you and the street in the UK, and an ample back yard (garden). But the space between you and your neighbors, especially on the sides, is often extremely tight. On average, closer than in the US.
Having said that...I think there are some fine examples or home architecture in the UK. I've looked at several and thought they were outstanding. Not to mention, the fact that there are still thatch roofs in the UK is awesome. It'd be like finding a sod house here in the US, which you won't find.
