If you are looking to invest in residential real estate within Uganda, it is important to understand the different house types available on the market. In this article, we will discuss the various property types that you can find on the Real Estate Database (RED) and other platforms like Lamudi Uganda or Realtor Uganda.

Bungalow: A bungalow is a popular housing option in Uganda, particularly in high-class locations where they typically occupy an acre of land, and in law class locations, they are built on a 100 by 50 decimal plot. These single-story houses offer a simple and affordable living experience, with two to three bedrooms and a living area. Additionally, bungalows in Uganda, especially in Kampala and Wakiso, are usually surrounded by a wall fence, providing an additional layer of privacy and security for the residents. For those seeking a single-story living arrangement, bungalows offer an ideal choice.

Apartment: An apartment is a self-contained unit within a larger building. Apartments are usually leased or rented to tenants, and they can range in size from a studio apartment to a larger unit with multiple bedrooms. Apartments are popular in urban areas, and they offer a convenient living experience.

Apartment block: An apartment block is a multi-unit building typically owned by an investor or developer, which comprises several apartments available for sale, lease or rent to individual buyers or tenants. The demand for apartment blocks is higher in urban areas where land availability is limited. The communal security provided by apartment blocks make them a favored choice for the corporate middle class.

Villa: In Uganda, the concept of a villa has evolved into a comfortable detached multilevel house with a relatively small compound near a city or town, often described as an elegant upper-class urban home. Some are situated on pre-demarcated plots known as estates or exclusive housing colonies where people from similar strata of society reside in gated communities, while others are standalone homes in the outskirts of the city. Typically, a villa is a large and luxurious multi-level house with several bedrooms and bathrooms and is popular in areas known for their beautiful landscapes and views.

Townhouse: A townhouse is a multi-story property that is attached to one or more other townhouses in a single row or several rows within a gated or street community, typically featuring two or more bedrooms and popular in urban areas. This type of property offers a balance between the space of a single-family home and the convenience of an apartment. However, it should be noted that in some areas such as Uganda, townhouses often have small compounds that can only accommodate one car for parking.

Semi-detached: A semi-detached property is a form of housing in which two or more housing units share a common wall along one or several rows of comparable units. Typically, units in low-class neighborhoods have one or two bedrooms, while those in high-class areas have three bedrooms if only two units share a wall. Semi-detached properties are attractive to urban residents as they provide a balance between the privacy of a single-family home and the affordability of an apartment. As a result, they are common in urban areas where land is scarce. These properties are in high demand among low-income earners.

Duplex: A duplex property consists of two separate units with their own entrances and multiple levels, which makes it a versatile option for both residential and investment purposes. These properties are frequently found in urban areas. However, it seems that duplex properties are not liked among Ugandans, and those who do own them tend to erect high walls between their property and their neighbors, emphasizing the lack of popularity for this type of property.

Maisonette: A maisonette is a two-story apartment that usually has a separate entrance. These properties are popular for their space and privacy. They are often found in urban areas where space is at a premium.

Mansion: A mansion is an opulent and spacious house, typically comprising multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Wealthy individuals primarily use these properties as private residences. These grand structures are typically situated in affluent neighborhoods and are characterized by their sprawling gardens and floral compounds, often adding to the overall grandeur and elegance of the mansion.

Shell house: A shell house is a type of property that is not fully constructed or has an incomplete finish. It can have a foundation and walls, but lack a roof or windows and doors, or have windows and doors without plastered walls. The owner may have failed to complete it due to various reasons such as insufficient funds or underestimating the amount required to finish it. Investors prefer to buy shell houses as they can customize the property according to their preferences. These properties are often sold at a lower price than completed houses, providing an opportunity for investors to renovate and finish the property to their desired standards.

Cottage: A cottage is a small, cozy house that is often used as a vacation home or a weekend getaway. These properties are popular in rural areas and are often used as rental units.

Penthouse: A penthouse is a luxurious apartment that is located on the top floor of a building. These properties offer breathtaking views and are often used as vacation homes or corporate retreats.

Studio: A studio apartment is a self-contained unit that is small in size and usually comes furnished, with a combined living and sleeping area. They are often preferred by those seeking short-term furnished stays or an affordable living experience. In the Real Estate Database (RED), studio apartments are commonly priced in dollars and may offer bed and breakfast services. While studio apartments can be found in high-end neighborhoods, those in low-income areas are typically unfurnished.

Rental units: Rental units are a popular investment option for middle income earners who rent them out to tenants. They come in varying sizes, ranging from small single rooms to multi-bedroom units. These units can be several one-bedroom houses attached together in one row or multiple rows. In the Real Estate Database (RED), they are known as rental units when they are for sale and Semi-Detached when they are for rent. They are highly sought after by single individuals or small families, with tenants typically preferring self-contained units within a wall fence and in a safe neighborhood. Buyers also prefer these types of rental units to ensure easy tenant acquisition. Rental units are easy to construct, and several can fit into a small piece of land, making them a favorite option for middle income investors.

Storeyed house: A storeyed house typically consists of multiple levels with several bedrooms and bathrooms, making it a popular choice in urban areas where space is limited. Although "storeyed house" is not a distinct property type, it refers to a top-level category of properties that share this multi-level feature. Instead, it serves as a reference to a set of property types that have multiple levels. Whether it is a townhouse or a multi-family unit, a storeyed house offers the convenience of having multiple floors for living, sleeping, and relaxing.