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Our house is one storey so we didn't have this issue, but if we'd bought something with external stairs we probably would have had internal stairs added but kept the outside one as well.

Hi, another option is to brick the staircase in and create an opening at ground level to the house, this turns the external staircase into an internal staircase,probably need to install a window or two also...

@VillageLife

The external stairs are typically very solid constructions, so removing them is usually not an option. Additionally, the stairs often go to the "main" floor for living, and the lower floor often has height issues affecting its usability. It's better, In my view, to make the decision (that you want two floors and internal stairs) when searching, and hence only shortlist properties that already have internal stairs.

Most folks facing this issue with their new home will simply keep the external stairs as is, and adapt their usage to the property! :-) Some will find a way to add internal stairs, and some will (as @stevejbhome suggested) construct a "lobby" with new external wall/glazing/roofing to make them internal stairs. I've seen some done very nicely, but I suspect it's a pricey job.

Our village house is very traditional with external stairs. I looked at adding internal stairs, but it wasn't very practical, I kept it as a separate floor (effectively a 2 bed/1 bath apartment with a huge open kitchen/dining/living space with a big balcony). Downstairs was for hobbits, so I lowered the floors to make it more livable, and changed the layout. I created 2 internal stairs to link the two "wings" via the basement floor. It's a slightly clunky layout, but it's (in theory) a very nice 3 bed/2 bath apartment, especially as it has a very fancy American-style master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, large walk-in closet, and a study... and its own terrace on to the garden. Pretty expensive reno so far, I doubt it was really the sensible or cost-effective way for me to go. :-)

Hi, another option is to brick the staircase in and create an opening at ground level to the house, this turns the external staircase into an internal staircase,probably need to install a window or two also... - @stevejbhome

Of course, there's also the consideration that a permit is required for such work, otherwise you can be "invited" to pay a hefty fine and demolish the illegal construction... 😎