Accommodation – Places We Can Live and Stay

When was the last time you had/got your hair cut? As you can see in that question, there is the construction HAVE/GET something DONE (Verb 3). This structure is called the causative and basically means “I didn’t do it — someone else did.”

If something is wrong with your toilet and you can’t fix it yourself, you have to have/get your toilet fixed. You’re not going to do it, but you’re going to find someone who can. It’s the same with windows — you’re probably going to get someone to change them.

Talking of accommodation, do you live in a house or a flat? If you live in a house, what kind of house is it? A detached, semi-detached, or terraced house? Most people dream of owning their own property, but many people need a mortgage instead of buying a home outright.

If you don’t own your property, you need a landlord or landlady who is looking for a tenant, or an estate agent who can help. But if you’re lucky, you might inherit a property and avoid any blood-sucking estate agents.

Moving out can be exciting but also sad. Leaving a home full of memories for a new, empty blank canvas means starting again. Moving is stressful: finding a removal company, paying first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a deposit, and sorting out your things.

Investment in bricks and mortar is usually smart. People always need somewhere to live. Developers buy land, build, and rent or sell — often making a good return on investment, especially in up-and-coming areas. But anyone can invest: buy a rundown property at an auction, do it up, and make a pretty penny.