Semi-detached duplex (semi detached duplex)

"Semi-detached" means half joined: the house is attached to one neighbour on one side and free on the other. Developers build them in pairs, often as mirror images, to fit two family homes on a plot that would otherwise hold one.

Inside, a semi-detached duplex is laid out like any duplex: living areas downstairs, bedrooms upstairs. Many come with a small boys' quarters each.

Why buyers choose them. They cost less than a detached duplex of the same size in the same area, while still having a private entrance and their own outside space. They are popular in Lekki, Ajah and Abuja estates.

What the shared wall means. You share a party wall with your neighbour. Noise can travel, and repairs to the shared wall or roof line may need agreement. Ask how the plot is divided and how each half's title is held.

Layout. Each half has its own front door, stairs, kitchen and bedrooms. The ground floor typically has a sitting room, dining area, kitchen and guest toilet; bedrooms are upstairs, often all en suite. Each half may also have a small BQ at the back.

Owning half of a pair. When you buy one half, you are buying one home. Before you pay, confirm whether the land has been divided with separate survey plans and titles, or whether both halves sit under one title that will need to be split. Agree with the neighbour how shared walls, the roof line, drains and boundary fences will be maintained, and put it in writing if the estate rules do not already cover it.

Renting one. A semi-detached duplex is let whole to one household, like any duplex, and service charge often applies in estates.

End of the pair. Because each half has open space on three sides, a semi-detached duplex usually gets more light than a terrace.

• Lagos: very common in new estates along the Lekki–Epe corridor and on the mainland.
• Abuja: common in Lokogoma, Gwarinpa, Katampe and Life Camp estates.
• UK: "semi-detached house" means the same type of building.