Posted by Hughes Group Blog Team on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 10:30 AM By Hughes Group Blog Team / February 12, 2017 Comment
When it comes time to pick where you want to live, you actually have quite a few options. You see, there are many different types of homes out there, but there are few that have carried as much confusion as duplexes, townhouses, apartments, and condos. Though these may seem virtually identical in many aspects, they can actually be quite different. Even though they are small these differences can have quite the consequences. So, if you are thinking about moving into one of these multi-family units you should probably know all you can about your different options before you make a decision.
Duplex
Let’s start with a duplex. A duplex is a house that, instead of being designed for one living space, is made to house two separate living spaces that usually share one or more walls.
Usually, when looking at a duplex it will look like a large house, but it will have two entrances to the two separate living spaces. Inside it will have all the rooms you would expect in a single-family home including bathrooms, a kitchen, bedrooms, etc. One some occasions there will also be two garage doors.
There are also triplexes and quadplexes that are the same concept but they have 3 and 4 living spaces, respectively, instead of the two in the duplex.
How a duplex differs from other multi-unit buildings?
The biggest difference between a duplex and a townhouse or apartment or condo is ownership. In a duplex, the entire building is owned by a single person and both sides are rented out. Now, that isn’t to say that a person can’t buy the building and live on one side of the duplex. This actual happens quite often. Instead of renting out both halves of the duplex the owner will occupy one of them and rent out the other half.
Renters of duplexes don’t own anything, just like in a rental home. They are given yard space, usually, but that is rented as well. They will have to ask for permission from the landlord to make any changes as well.
Pros and cons to living in a duplex
Most of the time renting a duplex will give the renter more freedom than an apartment for less money than a rental home. It is the perfect middle step for people who are tired of the apartment lifestyle but can’t afford the monthly payments of a whole rental home. (This is not a guarantee however, some duplex units might actually cost more— it all depends on the unit, its owners, and its location.) It is important to remember that they are still renters as well. They don’t build equity as time goes on. They also don’t have the right to do things like paint, change the carpet, and so on without permission from the owner.
Townhouse
A townhouse is very similar to the concept of a duplex (or triplexes or quadplexes). They are separate living spaces that share a wall with each other. They too have their own yards, their own bathrooms, their own kitchens, and so on and so forth. A lot of the time you will see a townhouse with two living spaces, but it is also common to see more than two together.
How townhouses differ from other multi-unit buildings?
The main difference between townhouses and the rest of the multi-unit buildings on this list is, again, ownership. A townhouse is not a rental, the occupant owns the living space. However that is not all, they also own the portion of the yard, both front and back, that is designated to their house— if there is any. A mortgage for a townhouse operates the same way that a mortgage for a home would, the rights to change things are virtually the same unless it interferes with the adjoining neighbor or neighbors or if an agreement or regulation is in place.
Pros and Cons to living in a Townhouse
There are a lot of pros to moving into a townhouse. Like we said earlier, you have the same kind of control over changes made to the townhouse as you would with a normal single-family unit (barring any regulations or agreements with the adjoining neighbor or neighbors). This means you can paint the inside of your townhouse, in some cases the outside as well, without having to get approval. If you want to change the carpet, you can. The possibilities are endless.
The two biggest cons are the sharing of a wall and the slight restrictions to changes that come with a townhouse like we mentioned earlier. However, these kinds of problems are really location specific so it really depends on the townhouse, the HOA for the area, and so on and so forth. So, it is advised that you take a very close look at all the rules and regulations you will be under before purchasing one.
Apartment
Apartments are probably the simplest entries on this list. Usually, apartments consist of 5 or more independent living spaces all built into one building. They have common areas and amenities for everyone in the complex to enjoy. There are no private yards for apartment dwellers. Apartments are usually anywhere from 1 to 3 bedrooms with 1 to 2 bathrooms. They also usually have adjoining walls, floors, and ceilings with other tenants.
How do apartments differ from other multi-unit buildings?
Apartments are different from all other multi-unit living situations because you never own your apartment. You pay rent on it each month but never actually own it. In an apartment, you have little control over changes made in your apartment. You can’t paint the walls, change the flooring, put in a new dishwasher, or anything without the approval of the landlord. However, they do not share the liability with the landlord. With the townhouse (and the duplex if a tenant owns it) the occupant is liable for any problems and will have to pay to fix them.
Pros and cons of living in an apartment
The biggest pro of living in an apartment is aliability. Like we said just moments ago, you don’t share the liability with the owner when you live in an apartment. If something breaks, and it wasn’t your fault, then the landlord has to pay to have it fixed. The other great thing about apartments is that you aren’t bound to them. If you want to move, it is much easier because you don’t have to sell it.
However, there are still some cons. You have almost zero control of changeslike we mentioned earlier. If you want to make your apartment better, you will have to have approval from your landlord. Not to mention, just like living in a rented duplex, you don’t build equity month to month with your payments.
Condo
A condo is basically just a unit in a duplex a townhouseor an apartment, but with special ownership rights.
How does a condo differ from other multi-unit buildings?
Condos are a bit of a special breed when it comes to the multi-unit family. Condos look exactly like an apartment or townhouse, meaning they are part of a larger unit, but you can buy them just like a house. You ownand can change, everything between the walls of your unit making you the landlord. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your neighbors, and it is safe, you are free to do it. You will have to pay for things like repairs and such, however, just something to remember.
Pros and cons of living in a condo
The control that we mentioned earlier is the biggest pro for people who live there. However, there are quite a few people that also love the fact that they don’t have to worry about taking care of a yard or the outdoor maintenance of the building.
Multi-unit facilities are great. If you are looking for one like these then be sure to talk to us here at the Hughes Group. You can email or call us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your real estate questions whether they be about traditional homes or multi-unit dwellings.
As an expert in real estate and housing, I can confidently delve into the concepts discussed in the Hughes Group Blog article about different types of multi-family housing units—duplexes, townhouses, apartments, and condos. My expertise is grounded in an in-depth understanding of real estate practices, property ownership structures, and the intricacies of various multi-unit living arrangements.
Starting with Duplexes: A duplex is a residential building designed to accommodate two separate living spaces, often sharing one or more walls. Key features include two entrances, individual rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and occasionally, two garage doors. The distinguishing factor here is ownership—entirely owned by a single person, who may choose to live in one unit while renting out the other. This flexibility in ownership sets it apart from other multi-unit buildings.
Townhouses: Similar to duplexes, townhouses consist of separate living spaces sharing walls. However, the crucial difference lies in ownership. Townhouse occupants own their living space and the designated portion of the yard, giving them more control over changes and renovations. Townhouses operate under a mortgage structure similar to that of a traditional home, affording owners a sense of autonomy in their living space.
Apartments: Apartments are multi-unit buildings with five or more independent living spaces within a single structure. Unlike duplexes and townhouses, apartment dwellers do not own their living space; instead, they pay rent for it. This lack of ownership limits their control over changes within the apartment, requiring landlord approval for alterations. The advantage lies in reduced liability for occupants, as the landlord is responsible for repairs.
Condos: Condos share similarities with apartments, townhouses, or duplexes, but they come with special ownership rights. Condo units can be purchased like houses, giving owners the right to modify and change everything within their unit, as long as it doesn't interfere with neighbors and adheres to safety standards. Condo owners are responsible for repairs and maintenance, providing a unique blend of ownership and shared amenities.
Pros and Cons: Each type of multi-unit dwelling has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Duplexes offer more freedom than apartments at a potentially lower cost, but renters do not build equity. Townhouses provide autonomy, but shared walls and restrictions may apply. Apartments offer flexibility and reduced liability but limit control over changes. Condos provide control and shared amenities, but owners bear the responsibility of repairs.
In conclusion, the choice among duplexes, townhouses, apartments, or condos depends on individual preferences, financial considerations, and lifestyle priorities. For those seeking multi-unit living, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider personal preferences and long-term goals in real estate.
