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- Real estate English covers property types, renting, buying and contracts.
- Key renting terms include tenant, landlord, deposit and lease.
- Key buying terms include mortgage, estate agent and offer.
- British and American terms differ (flat vs apartment, estate agent vs realtor).
- Polite phrases help you arrange viewings, ask about costs and report problems.
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Finding a place to live is one of the most important — and stressful — tasks for anyone living abroad. The English used in real estate is specialised, full of terms you rarely meet elsewhere: lease, deposit, mortgage, viewing. This guide organises the vocabulary you need for both renting and buying, explains the key British and American differences, and gives you natural phrases for talking to landlords, agents and sellers.
Property Types
Kinds of Home
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| flat (UK) / apartment (US) | a home within a larger building |
| detached house | a house standing on its own |
| semi-detached house | a house joined to one other |
| terraced house | a house in a connected row |
| studio | a small flat with one main room |
| bungalow | a single-storey house |
Renting Vocabulary
Key Renting Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| tenant | the person who rents and lives in the property |
| landlord / landlady | the owner who rents it out |
| rent | the regular payment for living there |
| deposit | money held as security against damage |
| lease / tenancy agreement | the rental contract |
| furnished / unfurnished | with or without furniture |
| utilities / bills | gas, electricity, water, internet |
Buying Vocabulary
Key Buying Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| estate agent (UK) / realtor (US) | a professional who sells property |
| mortgage | a loan used to buy property |
| deposit (down payment) | the initial sum you pay upfront |
| offer | the price a buyer proposes |
| survey | an inspection of the property's condition |
| completion | the day the sale becomes final |
Describing a Property
Useful Descriptive Words
spacious — large and roomy.
well-maintained — kept in good condition.
en-suite — a bathroom attached to a bedroom.
open-plan — rooms joined without dividing walls.
en route to / within walking distance of — close to amenities.
Useful Phrases
What to Say
"I'd like to arrange a viewing, please."
"Is the property furnished or unfurnished?"
"Are bills included in the rent?"
"How much is the deposit?"
"Would you accept an offer of £250,000?"
"The heating isn't working — could you send someone to fix it?"
British vs American Terms
Key Differences
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| flat | apartment |
| estate agent | realtor / real estate agent |
| to let | for rent |
| ground floor | first floor |
Common Mistakes
A frequent confusion is the word deposit (refundable security in renting vs upfront payment in buying). Another is the floor numbering difference: the British ground floor is the American first floor. Learners also mix up rent (a regular payment) with let (what a landlord does — to let a property). Finally, remember to let (British rental signs) is not a typo for toilet. Learning the local terms prevents most misunderstandings.
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