What Is an English Basement Apartment?
An English basement is a sub-ground-level basement apartment originating in the United Kingdom but also can be found in large urban areas such as New York City and Washington, D.C. They are usually found in a brownstone, townhouse or sometimes terraced homes in England. They have generally been regarded as substandard living accommodations but have grown in popularity among young professionals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Location
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An English basement is below the ground floor of a building but partially above street level and features narrow horizontal windows.
Size
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The apartment's sizes can range from a studio accommodation to two or three bedrooms with a bathroom and living area.
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Space Issues
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Often the boiler, electric meter and fuse box are located in the basement and consume valuable open space.
Reputation
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The term "English basement apartment" occasionally is used as a euphemism for slum quarters due to poor natural light, potential for extreme dampness and low rent charges.
New Attitude
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Up-and-coming professionals working in urban areas are seeking out English basement apartments in part as an alternative lifestyle but also due to the low rent and potential to make improvements.
Resale Value
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Depressed real estate values have made English basement apartments an appealing acquisition for first-time British property investors who buy the apartment at a low price, refurbish it and then sell it at a profit.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Trovit Homes
