What is a Coach House?

News at Jones Robinson | 07/09/2023

A coach house is a type of property that has a unique history and design. It may also offer some advantages and disadvantages for homeowners and buyers. In this blog post, we will explore what a coach house is, how it differs from other types of houses, what are its pros and cons, and what to consider before buying or selling one.

The History of Coach Houses

Coach houses, or carriage houses, used to be outbuildings where people stored their horse-drawn carriages. They were the equivalent of a garage today. They first were built in England in the 18th century, and they started appearing in the early 19th century in the United States.

Some coach houses also had living quarters for the coachmen or servants who looked after the horses and carriages. These were usually located on the upper floor or in a separate wing of the building. The lower floor was reserved for the vehicles and sometimes also for stables.

sign with 'Old Coach House'

The Modern Design of Coach Houses

Today, coach houses have evolved into a design of a house that sits above a couple of carports or garages. The owner of the house usually also owns the freehold for the entire building, including the land and the parking spaces below. In most cases, this is a detached property, but there are also some semi-detached or terraced coach houses.

The modern coach house typically has one or two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom on the upper floor. The lower floor is used for parking by the owner or by other residents of the development who lease or rent the spaces. Some coach houses may also have a small garden or patio area.

The Pros of a Coach House

There are several benefits of owning or living in a coach house. Some of them are:

Affordability: Coach houses are usually cheaper than other types of houses in the same area, as they have less land and fewer maintenance costs. They may also be eligible for lower council tax rates and stamp duty fees.
Privacy: Coach houses are often detached or semi-detached, which means they have more privacy and less noise from neighbours. They also have their own entrance and staircase, which adds to the sense of security and independence.
Parking: Coach houses come with their own parking spaces, which can be very convenient and valuable in areas where parking is scarce or expensive. The owner can also generate some income by renting out the spaces to other residents or visitors
Potential: Coach houses may have some potential for conversion or extension, depending on the planning permission and regulations. For example, some owners may be able to add another floor, convert the garage into a living space, or create a loft or balcony.

The Cons of a Coach House

However, there are also some drawbacks to owning or living in a coach house. Some of them are:

Access: Coach houses are usually accessed by an external staircase, which can be inconvenient or unsafe in bad weather or for people with mobility issues. They may also have limited storage space or natural light on the lower floor.
Leasehold: Although the owner of the coach house owns the freehold for the entire building, they may still have to pay ground rent or service charges to the developer or management company for the maintenance of the common areas and facilities. They may also have to abide by certain rules or restrictions regarding the use of the parking spaces or the appearance of the property.
Mortgage: Coach houses may be harder to get a mortgage for than other types of properties, as some lenders may consider them as non-standard construction or high risk. They may also require higher deposits, interest rates, or insurance premiums.
Resale: Coach houses may be less appealing or attractive to some buyers than other types of properties, as they may have less space, character, or charm. They may also face more competition from other similar properties in the same development.

What to Consider Before Buying or Selling a Coach House

If you are interested in buying or selling a coach house, there are some things you should consider before making a decision. Some of them are:

Location: The location of the coach house is very important, as it can affect its value, demand, and convenience. You should look for a coach house that is close to amenities, transport links, schools, and workplaces. You should also check the neighbourhood and surroundings for safety, noise, and views.
Condition: The condition of the coach house is another factor that can influence its price and appeal. You should inspect the property for any signs of damage, wear, or defects. You should also check the quality and functionality of the fixtures, fittings, and appliances. You may need to budget for some repairs or renovations if the coach house is old or poorly maintained.

Legal: The legal aspects of buying or selling a coach house can be complex and confusing, as they involve different types of ownership and agreements. You should consult a solicitor or conveyancer who can advise you on the terms and conditions of the contract, the title deeds, the leasehold arrangements, and the planning permission. You should also check for any disputes or complaints that may affect the property or its parking spaces.
Financial: The financial implications of buying or selling a coach house can vary depending on the market conditions, the valuation, and the mortgage options. You should do some research and comparison to find the best deal and the most suitable lender for your situation. You should also consider the costs and fees involved in the transaction, such as stamp duty, survey, solicitor, estate agent, and removal.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can assist you if you want to sell your current house or purchase a new one.

How to Sell a Coach House

If you are planning to sell a coach house, there are some steps you can take to make it more attractive and successful. Some of them are:

Prepare: Before you put your coach house on the market, you should prepare it for viewing and valuation. You should clean, declutter, and decorate it to make it look spacious, bright, and inviting. You should also fix any minor issues or faults that may deter buyers.
Promote: To promote your coach house effectively, you should use a combination of online and offline channels. You should hire a professional photographer or videographer to take high-quality images or footage of your property. You should also write a compelling description that highlights its features and benefits. You should then advertise your property on various platforms such as websites, social media, newspapers, magazines, or boards.
Negotiate: To negotiate the best price and terms for your coach house, you should be realistic and flexible. You should research the market value and demand for your property and set a reasonable asking price. You should also be open to offers and counteroffers from buyers and be willing to compromise on some aspects such as timing, fixtures, or parking spaces.

Why Choose Jones Robinson as Your Estate Agent?

If you are looking for an estate agent who can help you buy or sell a coach house in the Berkshire and Wiltshire area, you should choose us. We are a team of experienced and qualified professionals who have been serving this area for over 25 years. We have a deep understanding of the local market and the unique characteristics of coach houses. We can offer you:

Accurate Valuations: We can offer a free home valuation to help you understand the true value of your home and make sure it goes to market at the right price.
Personalised service: We will listen to your needs and preferences, and tailor our service to suit you. We will provide you with honest and realistic advice, and keep you informed throughout every stage of the process.
Extensive network: We have access to a large database of buyers and sellers. We can also use our connections with other estate agents, solicitors, surveyors and lenders to facilitate your transaction.
Competitive fees: We charge reasonable fees for our service, which are based on a percentage of the sale price or a fixed amount. We also offer a no sale no fee guarantee, which means you don’t have to pay us anything unless we successfully sell your property.
Satisfied customers: We have a high rate of customer satisfaction and retention, which reflects our quality and reliability. You can read some of our testimonials on our website or on our social media pages.

Contact Us Today

If you want to buy or sell a coach house don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information on what coach houses are and how to sell them. Please feel free to share it with anyone who may benefit from it. And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more tips and advice on property matters.