Forms of Housing

Common housing options

in Australia

Individuals, Families and Communities

Year 9 – Living Environments

Dwelling: Detached House

May be one story (bungalow) or multi-storey (more than one storey).

No walls attached to another dwelling - stands alone

Generally has front and back garden, garage and private open space

Usually more expensive than other similar sized dwellings

Dwelling: Semi-Detached

Self contained dwelling with private open space

Attached on one side to another dwelling with a common wall

Dwelling: Terrace or Row house

Self contained dwelling with private open spaces

Attached to other dwellings on one or both sides by common walls

Called ‘row houses’ because they are attached in a row and often identical in style and features

Dwelling: Villa

Usually one storey

Sometimes compared to a modern version of row housing

Usually only 2 to 4 self-contained dwellings on one plot of land

Usually attached to another dwelling on either side by common walls

Dwelling: Cluster housing

A development where houses are sited in relation to each other and the street frontages.

Community may be jointly owned and shared

May have only one vehicle entry with parking outside or underneath each dwelling

Dwelling: Infill housing

New housing constructed within existing housing on unused land

Or replacing old or unused buildings

More common in centralised older suburbs of large metropolitan cities

Dwelling: Townhouse

Self-contained dwelling with open space

Attached on more than one side, with no other occupancy either above or below

Dwelling: Unit (Flat)

Self-contained dwelling

May be part of a complex with occupancy above and/or below, or attached to a house

Facilities such as laundry and clothes drying lines may be shared

Dwelling: Penthouse

Self-contained dwelling, located on top of large apartment block

Sometimes has exclusive access / own lift

Usually much larger than other dwellings in the same apartment block

Dwelling: Duplex

Self-contained dwelling with occupancy either above, below or attached to the side similar to a semi-detached house

A common driveway / property entrance.

Dwelling: Mobile home / permanent caravan

Home on wheels

May be used as temporary accommodation while traveling

May be permanently left on site in caravan park

Dwelling: Shop residence

Dwelling attached to a shop

May be above or behind with separate / private entry

Sometimes leased / rented to people other than shop owner

Allows for longer hours of business

Dwelling: Houseboat

Relatively uncommon in Australia (very popular in England due to extensive canal network)

Can be very economical form of housing

Dwelling: Boarding House

Place of residence in which separate accommodation is offered or provided for at least three boarders

1 – 4 people may share a room. Often many individuals share bathroom facilities

Services such as meals and laundry are sometimes provided

Boarders are offered very little legal protection and are often disadvantaged

Activity

Type Advantage Disadvantage

Detached House

Unit / Flat

Townhouse

Mobile Home

Boarding House

Shop Residence

Create a table the same as this one and complete all the boxes during the class discussion. Save it to your H: drive.