Advantages and Disadvantages of Townhouses

Living in a townhouse is an option more and more homebuyers are considering. Townhouse communities offer many benefits to homebuyers, but this type of home also has downsides.

We will look at the things you must consider when deciding whether to buy a townhouse.

What is a Townhouse

Over my thirty-seven years of selling real estate, many potential buyers have asked me what a townhouse is and how it differs from a condo.

Townhouses are homes that share one or more walls with neighboring houses. They are sometimes confused with rowhouses and condos, but they differ from both.

Have a look at the summary of the differences between townhouses and condos.

Townhouses have multiple floors, are attached to neighboring homes, and are often part of a gated community. They can look different architecturally, though they usually share similar designs.

Living in a townhouse community often provides access to amenities you might benefit from. This might mean a pool, gym, walking trail, and other communal areas.

Townhouses are becoming more popular due to the many benefits and changes in homeowners’ working arrangements. Fewer people need to commute with the increase in remote working, so there is more demand for suburban communities.

There have also been increases in the construction of townhouse developments in recent years. But will living in a townhouse be right for you? We look at the pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons of a Townhouse

The Pros

There is Usually More Affordability

Buying a townhouse can be more affordable. They normally occupy a smaller lot and share walls with neighbors. This usually means fewer maintenance requirements, making them more affordable in the long run.

There Are Typically More Amenities

Owners of townhouses often have access to more amenities than single-family homes. The HOA will maintain these amenities though this will mean extra fees to pay.

You'll Have a Sense of Community

Since living in a townhouse means you are closer to your neighbors, there is a better sense of community. You might also meet your neighbors using the included amenities, and the development might offer a clubhouse and organize events.

The Cons

The Living Space Could Be Smaller

The floor plan will likely be smaller and spread over more floors than a typical home. This might mean a less open-plan home and spaces that feel more cramped. There could also mean less space for pets, as these homes are usually built on smaller lots.

There Will Be More Rules to Abide By

Though you can access more amenities, the HOA will make you follow more rules. They will be looking to maintain the community as it is, so if you want to make a change to the outside of your home, you could run into problems. Even something as minor as planting a tree or changing the exterior color could be prohibited by the HOA.

When you are part of an HOA community, it could also mean that you will be paying for amenities you don’t use or want. Before deciding which townhouse to purchase, you must know what you will be paying for and the rules you must follow in the community.

Less Privacy With Townhomes

While living close to neighbors can be good in some ways, it does mean you will have less privacy than living in a single-family home.

Your neighbors might be able to hear you through the wall, and you might find out more about your neighbors than you wanted to know. You might overhear arguments or get a better understanding of their musical tastes than you might have wanted.

You will meet your neighbors more often, which is great if they are friendly, but that won’t always be the case. You might also want a quieter life without having to make small talk when you leave your home.

Should You Choose a Townhouse?

Living in a townhouse offers many advantages, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. If you like living in a community, having access to more amenities, and having lower maintenance requirements, there are more reasons to choose this type of home.

These communities are often constructed outside urban areas, allowing more access to nature while still being close enough to the benefits offered by the city.

Even if these things appeal, you must also consider the possible negatives. You will have less privacy, and living under the rules issued by the HOA might not be appealing. Buying a home often means making some compromises, but townhouses provide a good balance that could be what you are looking for.