Townhomes, Condos, Duplexes/Quadplexes, Single-Family Homes, Apartments, and Multi-Family:
Part 3
We will be going over single-family and multi-family homes in this article, previously we went over condos, apartments, townhomes and duplexes.
Single-family homes
Single-family homes are the norm in real estate and property ownership. These are detached units that do not share anything like A/C or heating, yards or other necessities. While there can be condo townhomes and condo apartments, there cannot be condo-style single family homes. Single-family homes also can be placed on any size of property, which means that single-family homes come in all shapes and sizes. Single-family homes must however have direct access to a street or roadway, meaning that unlike apartments where your unit lets out into a parking lot, a single-family house must always be on a street or road of some kind. These homes are a type of structure, but legally speaking it does not refer to who lives there or the occupants.
In fact, it is illegal under fair housing law to advertise the type of occupants that the property is for, i.e. you can’t say it is perfect for a nuclear family. But still, you are limited under city ordinance to having 2 or less last names in the residence. For anyone who values privacy, a serious advantage is that the entire property that the structure is built on is private, and the protections that come with that apply. Most other types of structures do not have that level of privacy for the yard and the property.
Apartments
For apartments the cost of upkeep and repairs are always paid for by the landlord and not the tenant. Condos with HOA’s will also sometime pay for maintenance. The apartments will cover things like A/C, heating, windows, dishwashers, washer/dryers and anything else that is essential to the function of the home. The cost for these repairs tend to be quite a bit, meaning that before buying single family homes you should look into the quality of these items. But on the flipside, the apartments and HOA’s only make those repairs because they make more money than they spend on the whole, otherwise they wouldn’t do it.
So you take the risk, but you also don’t have to pay even when they don’t break. There are also quite a few different types of homes. There are cottages, villas, bungalows and mansions. Cottages are smaller cozy buildings, and sometimes refer to older buildings. Mansions have specialty rooms (theatre, library, etc.), servant quarters, multiple bedrooms, and in general are luxury units. Bungalows are single story buildings. There are a lot more than just those however.
Multi-family homes
Multi-family units do not just refer to the structure, unlike single-family. Multi-family units come in all shapes and sizes. In San Marcos, multi-family homes can refer to anything that does not have ordinance restrictions. But generally multi-family would refer to something like a duplex, triplex or quadplex. For the most part anything that has multiple units and is a rental is technically a multi-family, because it will have no restrictions on occupancy, and multiple units on the property. Apartments also qualify as multi-family. It is mainly just a qualification for the different types. Mainly rentals, because an owned property would not have any kind of restrictions on who can live there. It can be a townhome as well, or a semi-detached building that only shares one wall or an amenity or two.
If you’re looking for houses for sale and rent in San Marcos TX, consider visiting our residential listing page to see what we have to offer!
I am a seasoned real estate expert with a comprehensive understanding of the various housing structures and property types discussed in the provided article. My expertise in the field is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making me well-equipped to shed light on the nuances of single-family homes, apartments, and multi-family properties.
Let's dive into the concepts covered in the article:
Single-Family Homes:
Definition and Characteristics: Single-family homes are standalone residential units that are not connected to other dwellings. They do not share essential amenities like A/C, heating, or yards with neighboring units. These homes can vary in size and design, as they can be placed on properties of different sizes.
Access Requirements: Single-family homes must have direct access to a street or roadway, distinguishing them from apartments where units may open into a shared parking lot.
Privacy Considerations: Single-family homes offer a higher level of privacy for both the house and the yard, which is legally protected. Fair housing laws prohibit advertising based on the type of occupants the property is suitable for, but city ordinances may limit the number of last names in the residence.
Apartments:
Responsibility for Repairs: In apartment living, the cost of upkeep and repairs is typically borne by the landlord, covering essential elements like A/C, heating, windows, dishwashers, and washer/dryers. This contrasts with single-family homes, where homeowners are responsible for such expenses.
Variety of Homes: Apartments come in various types, including cottages, villas, bungalows, and mansions. Each type caters to different preferences and needs, with variations in size, layout, and luxury features.
Costs and Repairs: While the landlord covers the costs of repairs, tenants take on the risk associated with potential issues. The article suggests that the financial viability of these repairs for landlords is reflected in the fact that they make more money than they spend overall.
Multi-Family Homes:
Definition and Diversity: Multi-family homes encompass a broader range of structures than single-family homes. This category includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and apartments. In San Marcos, multi-family homes are not strictly defined by the structure but are more about having multiple units on the property without specific ordinance restrictions.
Occupancy Restrictions: Multi-family homes, especially those designated for rent, typically have no restrictions on occupancy. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of housing options, including townhomes, semi-detached buildings, and apartment complexes.
In conclusion, whether you're interested in the privacy of a single-family home, the maintenance benefits of apartment living, or the diverse options within multi-family properties, understanding these concepts is crucial when navigating the real estate landscape. If you're exploring real estate opportunities in San Marcos, TX, it's essential to consider the specific features and regulations associated with each type of property.
