When buying a townhouse, many potential home buyers are curious about what differentiates them from a rowhome, apartment, condominium or detached single-family home. Here are some key differences between these types of homes: You might hear townhomes sometimes referred to as rowhouses, but there’s actually a difference between the two. Using the term “rowhouse” implies the structure is identical to that of its neighbors, while townhomes can vary in design within the same townhouse complex. Rowhouses are also more likely to be urban residences, whereas townhomes are often in the suburbs. Rowhomes are typically built in long rows that may line an entire street or block. Townhomes can also be built in rows, but they’re more likely to be divided into smaller sections or groupings. Townhouses also share key features with apartments. Both housing options are considered individual dwellings that are located within a larger complex. Apartment buildings and townhouse complexes also often provide residents with shared spaces and amenities, like a gym or outdoor area. An apartment is different from a townhouse in that apartments are usually rented to tenants. Renters typically don’t have the option to buy their own apartment. Townhomes, on the other hand, can be purchased like any other type of house. Apartments are also maintained by a landlord or property manager. The owner of a townhouse is in charge of the maintenance and repairs, plus they’re responsible for abiding by any HOA guidelines.Townhouse Vs. Rowhouse
Townhouse Vs. Apartment
Townhouse Vs. Condo
There are a lot of similarities between condominiums (or condos) and townhouses. Like townhouses, condos are often attached via one or two walls to other housing units and are typically governed by an HOA. Additionally, these types of units likely have access to community amenities.
Unlike townhomes, condos are single units that make up a larger complex. This means condo owners are more likely to have neighbors above or below their units. On the other hand, townhomes are defined as single-family dwellings that happen to share walls with another home (or two homes) but are considered more private than condos.
Townhome owners typically enjoy more freedoms as well. A condo’s HOA may rule that the exterior of a unit is entirely out of an owner’s control. Townhouse owners may have the ability to do whatever they would like with the exterior of their space. Plus, where a condominium complex may handle all yard maintenance, townhouse HOAs may require that owners take care of outdoor tasks themselves.
Townhouse Vs. Detached Single-Family Home
A townhouse and a single-family home are considered single-family dwellings, and owners are typically expected to take care of maintenance indoors and outdoors. A townhouse is a combination of a single-family home and a condo. It’s a happy medium for certain people in the housing market.
Townhouse owners may be responsible for less maintenance and upkeep than single-family homeowners. Not every townhouse is part of an HOA, but many are – and some HOAs take care of various responsibilities like snow removal or tending to the landscaping. Owning a townhouse can be a savvy option for someone who wants the convenience of a single-family home without the responsibility of maintenance.
Single-family homes may also be in more rural locations than townhouses. Townhomes are often found in urban or suburban areas and tend to be newer and more recently updated than single-family homes.
Townhomes work well for those eager to live near the city and willing to sacrifice space and privacy. On the other hand, single-family homes may appeal to home buyers who appreciate a little more space between themselves and their neighbors.
I'm well-versed in real estate and housing types, having delved into various aspects of property distinctions and features. The differences between townhouses, rowhouses, apartments, condominiums, and detached single-family homes are multi-faceted and significant in the realm of residential real estate.
Let's dissect the differences:
Townhouse vs. Rowhouse:
- Design Variability: Townhouses within a complex can exhibit design differences, while rowhouses typically maintain uniform structures.
- Location Differences: Rowhouses are more commonly urban, lining streets or blocks, while townhomes are frequently suburban and may feature smaller sections or groupings within the same complex.
Townhouse vs. Apartment:
- Ownership: Townhouses can be owned, akin to single-family homes, while apartments are generally rented.
- Maintenance Responsibility: Townhouse owners are accountable for maintenance and repairs, while apartment upkeep falls on landlords or property managers.
- Shared Spaces: Both often offer shared amenities within a complex, like gyms or outdoor areas.
Townhouse vs. Condo:
- Unit Structure: Condos are single units in a larger complex, whereas townhouses are standalone structures sharing walls with other homes.
- HOA Control: Condo HOAs may govern the entirety of unit exteriors, whereas townhouse owners usually have more autonomy regarding exterior modifications.
Townhouse vs. Detached Single-Family Home:
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Townhouses may have fewer maintenance duties due to potential HOA involvement, while single-family homes typically require full maintenance from owners.
- Location and Privacy: Townhouses are often urban/suburban, newer, and may sacrifice space and privacy compared to detached single-family homes, which are often in more rural areas with more distance between properties.
In summary, townhouses straddle the features of different housing types, offering a middle ground between apartment living and owning a detached home. They're an excellent choice for those seeking some independence while sharing certain amenities and possibly having less maintenance burden compared to traditional single-family homes.
