For advanced learners: sophisticated vocabulary covering housing policy, sustainable living, design philosophy, and property law.
35 cards
gentrification
the process by which a poorer neighbourhood becomes wealthier as new, more affluent residents move in, often displacing existing communities.
retrofit
to install new energy-efficient systems or materials into an existing building that was not originally designed for them.
co-housing
a model of housing where residents live in private homes but share communal spaces and responsibilities.
ergonomic
relating to furniture or a layout designed to support the human body and reduce physical strain during everyday use.
aesthetic
relating to the visual beauty or pleasing appearance of a space, object, or design.
refurbishment
the process of cleaning, repairing, and improving a building or room without making major structural changes.
layout
the way in which the rooms, furniture, or spaces in a building are arranged.
bespoke
relating to something made specifically to suit one person's requirements rather than mass-produced.
vernacular architecture
a style of building that uses local materials and traditions rather than formal or academic design principles.
passive house
a building standard designed to use very little energy by relying on insulation, ventilation, and solar gain rather than active heating systems.
thermal mass
the ability of heavy materials such as stone or concrete to absorb and slowly release heat, stabilising indoor temperatures.
permeate
to spread gradually through every part of a space, often describing light, air, or smell.
dilapidated
relating to a building or structure in a poor condition because of age and neglect.
probate
the legal process of proving that a will is valid and administering a deceased person's estate, including any property.
covenant
a legally binding clause in a property agreement that restricts what the owner or tenant may do with the building or land.
encroachment
a situation where a structure or feature extends beyond its legal boundary and onto a neighbouring property.
easement
a legal right allowing someone to use part of another person's property for a specific purpose.
planning permission
official approval from a local authority required before making certain changes to a building or land.
listed building
a building that has official protection because of its architectural or historic importance, restricting changes that can be made to it.
sublet
to rent out a property or part of it to another person when you are already renting it yourself.
void period
a stretch of time during which a rented property stands empty and produces no rental income for the owner.
appraisal
a professional assessment of a property's current market value, typically carried out before a sale or remortgage.
ground rent
a sum paid by the owner of a leasehold property to the freeholder for use of the land the building stands on.
cladding
a material applied to the outer surface of a building to provide weather protection or improve appearance.
rendered
relating to an exterior wall that has been covered with a layer of cement or plaster to smooth and protect it.
ingress
the right or means of entering a building or space.
demarcation
the process of establishing a clear boundary between two properties or areas of responsibility.
declutter
to systematically remove possessions that are no longer used or needed in order to free up space and reduce visual noise.
light pollution
excessive artificial light from buildings, streets, or advertising that makes the night sky less dark and disrupts sleep or ecosystems.
tenure
the legal right and conditions under which a person occupies a property, such as owning or renting.
watertight
relating to a structure that does not allow water to enter, or, figuratively, an agreement with no loopholes.
communal
relating to a space or resource shared by all residents of a building or development.
fixtures and fittings
permanent items attached to a property, such as built-in shelves, light sockets, and bathroom suites, which are typically included in a sale.
homestead
a house and the surrounding land where a family lives and often grows food or keeps animals.
spatial awareness
the ability to understand and use the size, shape, and layout of a space effectively when arranging or designing it.