What Are Groups Of Houses Called? (7 Styles Explained)

Houses can be built and configured in many different ways. There are standalone houses, and there are groups of houses.

When it comes to groups of houses, there are also different types depending on how the houses are built or whether they share a common lot.

In this article, we will be discussing the 7 different groups of houses and what makes them different from each other:

1. Neighborhood

You may encounter this word often in real estate talks; sometimes, it is interchangeably used with other terms for groups of houses, such as subdivision or village.

A neighborhood is a general term for a group of houses that share a sense of community and are located in a certain area. A neighborhood may also include buildings and commercial establishments.

In terms of housing configuration, houses in a neighborhood may come in different types, sizes, and shapes. Some houses are single standalone family homes, while some are apartment buildings.

Houses in neighborhoods usually have different looks, and it can be rare to find two houses in a neighborhood that looks the same.

Neighborhoods may also have public spaces such as parks. Some neighborhoods have local schools, hospitals or clinics, and other establishments that can add convenience.

Neighborhoods can be found in both urban and rural areas.

2. Subdivision

This word is often used interchangeably with the neighborhood, but they differ. A subdivision is a specific type of neighborhood.

A subdivision is a planned residential area that a single developer typically builds. It consists of a large area of the lot that is divided into individual lots for the houses.

The houses in a subdivision always come in a similar style; in some, all the houses have the same size and configuration. Meanwhile, some houses vary in size in other subdivisions, but the style is still the same. Some houses may only have one bedroom, while some may have two or more.

In most subdivisions, homeowners are not allowed to renovate the house in a way that would make it look different from the rest. Some subdivisions may allow renovations on the back part of the house as long as the facade is retained.

Of course, homeowners are allowed to landscape their yards as they, please. So if you live in a subdivision, landscaping is the only way that you can make your house look unique.

Subdivisions are usually gated communities with streets arranged in a grid or following a cul-de-sac pattern. The main gate of a subdivision has security guards, and if there’s a visitor, the guard calls the resident first and verifies if they are expecting someone.

They are often located in suburban areas, offering amenities like parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, and community centers, and the residents share all of these.

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3. Village

This is another term that’s being interchangeably used with neighborhood and subdivision.

A village is a small group of houses located in a rural area. Just like neighborhoods, villages have a sense of community.

And just like neighborhoods, houses in a village don’t follow the same style, look, or configuration. Houses may also differ in size.

Villages typically have a town hall and central square where all the local events and activities are held. They also have a local post office, church, and other communal buildings.

Since they’re usually surrounded by countryside and far from commercial areas, many villages also have small business establishments such as grocery stores, bakeries, pubs, or cafes, which add some convenience for the residents.

4. Cluster

A cluster is a term used to describe a group of houses or residential buildings built close together on a small piece of land.

Clusters are usually found in urban and suburban areas with limited land availability. In clusters, the developers aim to build more houses or residential buildings without sacrificing adequate living space and privacy.

A cluster may consist of either a group of houses or a group of low-rise to mid-rise apartment buildings, and they are often arranged in a way that maximizes the space.

The houses and buildings in a cluster may have similar or different styles, depending on whether they have the same developer.

In some clusters, the houses are arranged in a row. The houses may be attached and share walls, while some may share a roof. In some clusters, the houses and residential buildings are arranged in a circle with a communal space or courtyard in the center.

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5. Housing Complex

A housing complex may seem similar to a cluster, but they are different in configuration.

While a cluster is a group of houses or residential buildings in a small piece of land, a housing complex is built on a larger scale.

A housing complex describes a larger-scale development consisting of multiple residential buildings, such as apartments and condominiums, which are often managed as a single unit.

These residential buildings often have shared amenities such as a playground, swimming pool, fitness center, or community center.

Most housing complexes are gated with security guards. There is usually just one access point for a housing complex, and entry and exit are often monitored for the safety and security of the residents.

Property management often provides building maintenance in housing complexes, and residents must pay extra. The residents also often have to pay fees as a contribution to the general operation of the property.

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6. Hamlet

A hamlet is a group of houses that’s smaller than a village. It also lacks many of the amenities and community buildings you would often find in a village.

Like villages, hamlets are located in rural areas or surrounded by countryside and farms. Unlike villages, a hamlet doesn’t usually have a town hall and community square for local events and gatherings.

A typical hamlet would only have several small houses and perhaps a couple of stores built close to one another. Some hamlets may have a church or post office.

7. Terrace

A terrace of houses is generally a row of houses or residential buildings attached in a straight line. These buildings share side walls and are built close to the street, having little to no yard space on the front.

In terms of design and build, residential buildings on a terrace usually follow a similar architectural style, meaning they look more or less the same.

In some cities, buildings on a terrace have the same facade, especially those built in the 18th and 19th centuries. And these cities prohibit residents from renovating the front of the building to preserve the street’s classic and historical look.

Terraced houses usually have at least a few levels, while some may have more to maximize the space. Living areas are often placed on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are on the upper floors.

Terraces are often found in urban areas as they were a way to increase housing in densely-populated cities while maximizing the use of limited space.

Sources:

What Is The Difference Between A Neighborhood And A Subdivision?

Subdivision Vs. Village – What’s The Difference?

Critical Description Between Hamlet And Village

Cluster Houses: Definition, Characteristics, Strengths, And Weaknesses

What Is A Terraced Home?