Crossword Genius

Half and half housing? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

semis

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'half and half housing?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'half and half housing?' is the wordplay.
'half' becomes 'semi' (I've seen this before).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'half housing?' becomes 's' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'semi'+'s'='SEMIS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for semis that I've seen before include "They transport" , "Suburban houses" , "Paired houses" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app