Different housing types in a UK city

Leicester

Nineteenth century inner city terraced housing- e.g. Westcotes

Less than 1km from the CBD.  This type of housing was originally built to provide cheap accommodation for those people involved in heavy industry. They are joined to other houses either side and tend to have only a small rear garden and no garage.  They are located near to corner shops and shopping parades.  This type of housing is ideal for first time buyers, especially young families.  The council owns the majority but 1 in 3 tends to be owner occupied or private let.

Owner occupier (to buy): £60,000-80,000       Privately rented (to rent):  £300 PM

1960's inner city redevelopment of flats- e.g. Wycliffe

Located 1-2km from the CBD.  This type of accommodation was originally built to solve the problems of overcrowding in inner city areas.  Large areas of nineteenth century terraced houses were demolished and replaced with these tower blocks.  The tower blocks were built quickly using the latest technology and materials such as reinforced concrete.  They provided cheap, affordable public sector housing close tot the CBD.  The tower blocks are around 20 storeys high and provide small and large bedsits, 1 and 2 bedroom flats and a few larger flats.  At present they offer the cheapest opportunity for people looking to purchase their first home and help provide the University with rental accommodation for students.

Owner occupier (to buy): £35,000-60,000       Council rented (to rent): £80-£100 PW

1970's suburban housing-e.g. Evington

Located 4km from the CBD.  This type of housing provides a high quality of life for commuters away from their workplace.  Life in the suburbs provides access to high quality private housing and some services that are rarely available close to the city centre e.g. large parks, golf courses and retail parks.  Suburban areas tend to consist of large semi-detached and detached housing that have gardens to the front and rear with conservatory and a garage. 

Owner occupier (to buy): £200,000-£500,000+   Privately rented (to Rent): £700+ PM      

1950's council housing- e.g. North Braunstone

Located 4-5km from the CBD.  This type of housing was built just after the war to provide cheap, affordable accommodation for the returning troops and their families.  They tend to be large semi-detached properties that have a good sized garden to the front and rear.  In the 1980's the government offered the occupiers of council houses the chance to by their property.  This allowed them to make improvements to the houses such as adding garages and conservatories.  Currently, ex-council housing offers the opportunity for first time buyers to purchase a substantial property for a reasonable amount of money.

Owner occupier (to buy): £70,000-£150,000         Council rented (to rent): £100+ PW

D.Drake 2008