Describe a House You Would Like to Live In: Part 2 & 3

This guide helps you describe a house or apartment you would like to live in for Speaking Part 2 and Part 3. It includes cue card guidance, band 5.0–6.0 and band 7.0+ sample answers, housing-related vocabulary, grammar structures, and examiner comments to improve fluency and idea development.

I. Cue Card – Describe a House or Apartment You Would Like to Live In

Cue Card – IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.

You should say:

• What it would look like

• Where it would be located

• What facilities it would have

• And explain why you would like to live there

To structure your response effectively, refer to answer speaking part 2 in IELTS.

How to Generate Ideas Quickly

• Type of place: Villa, luxury apartment, cozy flat, city penthouse, countryside house, lake cabin, etc. You can also organize your ideas using brainstorming diagrams in IELTS speaking.

• Location: City center, the suburbs, by the sea, in a quiet village, near a park, in another country.

• Facilities: Large kitchen, balcony, garden, pool, gym, open space, smart home tech, big living room, guest room.

• Why you want it: Privacy, calm, beautiful view, lifestyle, dream features (study room, entertainment zone), close to work, for family/future.

Brainstorming Table (Optional)

II. Band 5.0–6.0 Sample – Speaking Part 2 & 3

In this section, you’ll find a Band 5.0–6.0 sample answer for the topic “Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.” The responses focus on simple vocabulary, basic grammar, and logical structure. 

To improve your score, learn how to expand answers in IELTS speaking.

1. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 2

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.

You should say:

• What it would look like

• Where it would be located

• What facilities it would have

• And explain why you would like to live there

Sample Answer (Band 5.0–6.0):

I would like to live in a small house with a big garden. The house would be simple, with one floor, and have a lot of windows for sunlight. I think it would be white and look very clean.

I want this house to be near a quiet lake, maybe in the countryside. I love nature and I want to see trees and water every day. It should be far from the noisy city.

The house should have two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a big living room. I also want a small area for reading or listening to music.

I would like to live there because I think it would be peaceful. I can relax and enjoy nature. I could also invite my family and friends to visit.

2. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 3

At Band 5.0–6.0, keep your answers short, clear, and use basic reasons or examples.

Question 1: What kinds of homes are most popular in your country?

In my country, most people live in small houses or apartments. In cities, apartments are popular because there is not much space. In the countryside, houses are more common.

Question 2: Do you think living in a big city is better than living in the countryside?

I think both have good and bad points. Cities have more jobs and schools, but they are noisy. The countryside is quiet and clean, but sometimes life is boring.

Question 3: What features do people want in a modern home?

Many people like homes with natural light, a balcony, and a big kitchen. Some want smart technology or a garden for relaxing.

3. Vocabulary Highlight

At the Band 5.0–6.0 level, focus on using straightforward words that describe homes, rooms, places, and feelings. Using even simple adjectives and phrases correctly will help keep your answers clear and natural.

Vocabulary by Topic

Short Phrases

• “It has a big window and a balcony for fresh air.”

• “The apartment is close to my work.”

• “I feel relaxed when I stay at home.”

• “I want to live somewhere quiet, not busy.”

4. Grammar and Structures

At Band 5.0–6.0, you should use mainly present simple (for describing your dream house/apartment and general reasons) and would like/would love (for talking about your wishes). Compound sentences with “and” or “because” are very helpful. Simple, clear grammar is better than long, confusing sentences.

Tense Usage

Sentence Starters

• I would like to live in...

• My dream house has...

• It is located in...

• There are...

• I want… because…

Frequent Grammar Mistakes

Tip: Don’t use long sentences if you’re not sure; focus on basic tense and making your wishes clear.

III. Band 7.0+ Sample – Speaking Part 2 & 3

At Band 7.0+, your speaking should be fluent, well-developed by improving your fluency and coherence IELTS speaking. Use topic-specific vocabulary, flexible grammar, and organize your ideas confidently.

1. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 2

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.

You should say:

• What it would look like

• Where it would be located

• What facilities it would have

• And explain why you would like to live there

Sample Answer (Band 7.0+):

I have always dreamed of living in a modern apartment high above the city, ideally on one of the top floors of a residential tower in the heart of Hanoi. The apartment would be spacious and filled with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the skyline and the Red River. I would decorate it with minimalist, functional furniture in neutral colors to create a calm, uncluttered atmosphere.

The facilities I would expect include a fully-equipped kitchen, a reading nook by the window, and a large balcony with space for plants and a small outdoor table. The building itself would have a gym, a swimming pool, and good security so I could exercise and relax whenever I liked.

I’d choose this apartment because I enjoy city life but still want my own peaceful space. The view would inspire me every morning, and I could easily invite friends over or spend quiet evenings with a book. For me, such a home would offer the perfect balance between excitement and comfort.

2. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 3

At Band 7.0+, Part 3 answers should offer well-developed ideas, examples, and thoughtful explanations—showing both good language control and logical structure.

Question 1: How have housing preferences changed in your country in recent years?

Housing preferences in my country have shifted significantly. Many young people used to dream of owning a large house with lots of land, especially in rural areas. Nowadays, with rapid urbanization, modern apartments have become more attractive. People now value convenience, security, and access to amenities like gyms or shopping centers. High-rise living offers these advantages, and many are willing to sacrifice outdoor space for a central location.

Question 2: Do you think governments should help citizens own their own homes?

Yes, I believe governments should support home ownership, particularly for first-time buyers or low-income families. Having a stable place to live is essential for both personal and economic well-being. Governments can provide subsidies, reduce taxes, or offer affordable housing programs so that more people can have a suitable home. This, in turn, can also strengthen communities and reduce social inequalities.

Question 3: What role does technology play in modern housing?

Technology plays a huge role in making modern homes more comfortable and efficient. Many new houses and apartments feature smart systems for lighting, security, and climate control, which help save energy and provide convenience. Virtual home tours and online platforms also make it easier for buyers and renters to find properties that suit their needs. In the future, I expect technology will make homes even more eco-friendly and adaptable to changing lifestyles.

For more practice, explore answer speaking part 3 in IELTS.

3. Vocabulary Highlight

At Band 7.0+, you should use a wide and precise range of words to describe homes, facilities, location, and lifestyle preferences. The vocabulary below helps you talk fluently about the design, function, and appeal of modern houses or apartments.

Describing Design & Structure

Facilities & Technology

Reasons & Lifestyle

4. Grammar and Structures

At Band 7.0 and above, your speaking should feature flexible and accurate use of complex sentences, a mix of tenses, and natural linking of ideas. You should move comfortably between describing your dream house/apartment, giving opinions, and explaining preferences.

Tense Usage

Complex Sentence Structures

Linking Devices & Style

• In addition / furthermore / also (adding ideas)

• For example / such as / one reason is that (giving examples)

• On the other hand / in contrast / however (showing contrast)

• Personally, I believe / I would say that / To be honest (giving personal opinion)

• The thing that matters most… / What I like best is… (emphasizing reasons)

IV. Examiner’s Comments – What a Band 7 Answer Sounds Like

To achieve Band 7.0 or higher for the topic “Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in,” candidates must show an ability to move beyond basic description and present a fully developed, organized, and reflective answer.

What Examiners Look For is explained clearly in the IELTS speaking band scores.

• Fluency & Coherence: Answers flow naturally, covering all parts of the cue card with well-linked ideas.

• Lexical Resource: Wide, accurate vocabulary on design, location, facilities, and lifestyle reasons; use of collocations (“central location,” “floor-to-ceiling windows”).

• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Confident use of complex and conditional structures, correct tense control, and natural sentence linking.

• Pronunciation: Clear, expressive speech with natural rhythm and intonation.

Features of a Band 7+ Answer

• Goes beyond listing rooms/facilities; describes atmosphere, feelings, and personal reasons.

• Gives reflections: “I think this setting would inspire creativity and offer me real peace of mind.”

• Links ideas with a range of structures and discourse markers.

• Demonstrates real choice and individuality rather than repeating memorized ideas.

Tips from the Examiner

• Personalize your answer. Make it unique and believable.

• Extend each main idea with a detail or example: don’t just say “I want a balcony”—explain why.

• Use a mix of wish/desire, cause-effect, and comparison to show flexibility.

• Even when imagining an ideal home, use natural language, not just “template” sentences.

A Band 7 answer combines a clear vision, rich language, and explanation—the listener can picture the home and understand exactly why it suits you.

From the sample of the topic “Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in” above, PREP hopes you have a clear understanding of how to prepare and approach a specific Speaking topic. If you find the way PREP's teachers do it helpful and easy to understand, be sure to sign up for the IELTS preparation course at PREP!