Are Australian Houses Really the Largest in the World?
When discussing the size of houses in different countries, a common myth is that houses in Australia are significantly smaller than those in the United States and Europe. However, a closer examination of historical and current house sizes reveals a nuanced picture. This article explores why and how Australian houses compare to those in other regions, debunking the common misconceptions surrounding house size in Australia.
Historical Context and Early Settlers
The early days of European settlement in Australia saw houses that were not inherently smaller than their counterparts in Britain and Europe. Many were built on the same principles as terrace houses in European cities, with 2-story structures tightly packed together. These were often small, but no more so than houses in Britain and Europe at the time. Terrace houses in Australia, such as those in Sydney, were examples of homes that were 2 stories tall and connected, echoing the architectural style of urban Europe.
As the decades progressed, some inner-city areas in Australia indeed transformed into slums. Buildings that once housed working-class families turned into run-down structures, known for their poor living conditions. However, a resurgence in the 1970s saw a revival of interest in terrace houses, particularly those with intricate iron lacework, which now command high prices in the real estate market.
Comparing Houses: From the Early Days to Today
Juxtaposing houses from the early days of European settlement in Australia with British housing from the same period, it’s clear that while some early Australian houses were small, they were not drastically different in size. Even today, the architectural style of terrace houses, with their shared walls and narrow footprints, can be seen in many Australian cities.
In contrast, outside of these inner-city areas, many houses did not exceed one story, mostly due to the practical reasons of not needing to build upwards. These were primarily the homes of ordinary workers, who simply did not have the financial means or need to build larger homes. However, there were numerous examples of larger, more luxurious houses. For instance, my own aunt lived in a pleasantly large house, while my uncle's country house, which was built nearly 200 years ago as separate buildings, was later joined together to create a spacious and comfortable home. These larger houses, typical of farmhouses, were part of the broader array of housing options in rural Australia.
Modern Comparison: House Sizes in Different Countries
A recent report on the comparative sizes of houses in different countries found that Australian houses are currently the largest in the world. The average size of Australian houses is 176 m2, with Finland coming in second at 124 m2. The United States follows with 102 m2, and England with 78 m2. Interestingly, Google data shows somewhat different numbers: Australia leads with 214 m2, followed by the United States at 201 m2, Canada at 181 m2, and other countries like the UK at 76 m2, with France at 112 m2 and Finland at 82 m2.
This data confirms that, compared to the United States and many European countries, Australian houses are indeed larger. This is largely due to several factors, including the availability of land and the prevalence of single-level house designs, which emphasize spaciousness and accessibility. Australian houses often feature verandas for extra space and sun, separate laundry areas, and garages for car parking, all contributing to their larger size.
Conclusion: Understanding the Size of Australian Houses
Contrary to popular belief, Australian houses are not uniformly smaller than those in the United States and Europe. While houses in different regions and historical periods varied in size, the current trend shows that Australian houses are among the largest in the world. Factors such as land availability, architectural design, and lifestyle preferences account for this. Understanding these nuances helps dispel myths and provides a clearer picture of the housing landscape in Australia.
Keywords: house size, Australia, United States, European houses