Property glossary
Plain-English explanations of the terms you see in property advertisements. Confirm how each term is being used for the specific property you are considering.
- Acre
- A unit of area of approximately 4,046.86 square metres. It should not be confused with a locally described plot.
- Asking price
- The amount advertised by the seller or agent. It is distinct from a price agreed between the parties or a completed transaction price.
- Block of flats
- A building containing multiple flats. A listing may offer one unit or an entire block, so confirm what the price covers.
- Boys’ quarters (BQ)
- An additional space marketed for staff or ancillary accommodation. Check its rooms, facilities and whether it is included in the offer.
- Bungalow
- A home typically arranged mainly on one level. Confirm any upper rooms, extensions and access arrangements.
- Caution deposit
- An amount described as security for specified obligations or damage. The agreement should explain deductions and the return process.
- Covered area
- An area measurement used in a listing. Ask the advertiser which parts of the building are included and how the measurement was taken.
- Detached house
- A house standing separately from neighbouring houses. Shared estate services or access may still apply.
- Duplex
- A property label often used for a dwelling over two floors. Ask for the actual layout and whether it is detached, semi-detached or part of a terrace.
- Floor plan
- A drawing showing the arrangement of spaces. Check dimensions and whether it represents the property as built.
- Furnished
- Offered with furniture. Request an itemised inventory because the label does not specify which items or appliances are included.
- Hectare
- A unit of area equal to 10,000 square metres. Ask whether the measured area includes roads or other shared space.
- Joint venture
- An arrangement in which parties propose to contribute assets, funds or expertise to a project. Each proposal needs individually reviewed terms and responsibilities.
- Listing agent
- The professional presenting a property listing. Ask about their authority to market the property and the role they will play in negotiations.
- Median asking price
- The middle advertised price when comparable listings are ordered by price. It is a description of the sample, not a valuation or evidence of achieved prices.
- Mini flat
- A home commonly described as a room and parlour. Check the floor plan and which cooking and bathroom facilities are private.
- Mixed-use property
- Property offered for more than one type of use, such as residential and commercial. The description does not by itself confirm permission for your intended activity.
- Penthouse
- A property marketed as a top-floor residence. The label alone does not establish floor area, lift access, a private terrace or luxury specifications.
- Plot
- A parcel of land. The word does not specify a fixed size, so ask for its dimensions and surveyed area.
- Price period
- The unit of time covered by an advertised price, such as a night, month or year. Compare quotations using the same period.
- Self-contained room
- A room marketed with its own bathroom and cooking facilities. Ask whether any facilities are shared; usage of the label varies.
- Semi-detached house
- A house joined to another house along a shared wall. Inspect the actual boundaries and shared arrangements.
- Service charge
- A charge for specified building or estate services. Ask for the covered items, billing period and arrangements for changes.
- Serviced
- Marketed with some managed services. Ask exactly which services are supplied, how they are charged and what usage limits apply.
- Short let
- Accommodation offered for a temporary stay. Confirm the stay period, guest limits, services, deposits and cancellation terms with the host or agent.
- Square metre
- A unit of area equal to a square one metre on each side. Check whether an advertised area refers to land, floor space or another measurement.
- Studio
- A home whose main living and sleeping functions share one space. Cooking and bathroom arrangements should be checked in the specific unit.
- Terraced house
- A house forming part of a row of adjoining homes. Access, parking and communal services depend on the development.
- Unfurnished
- Offered without a full furniture package. Confirm which fittings, appliances and fixtures remain.
- Viewing
- An arranged inspection of a property. Agree who will attend, what can be inspected and which questions need specialist follow-up.