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Contemplating a townhouse for your next big move? Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer or simply new to townhomes, our townhouse buying tips are here to help with the transition. Plus, we\u2019ve included the top considerations when buying a townhouse, so you can make a confident and informed decision about your next home.<\/p>\n
What is a Townhouse?<\/strong><\/p>\n Townhouses (also referred to as townhomes) are multi-level homes owned by individuals that share at least one or two walls with the adjacent unit. Townhomes typically span two or more units and share similar, if not identical, facades. These side-by-side dwellings are generally narrower than a single-family home. However, townhouses provide outdoor space, and more often than not, a garage or carport.<\/p>\n Single-Family Feel for Less<\/strong><\/p>\n Townhomes are especially appealing to millennial and Gen Z buyers, many of whom are first-time buyers, says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow lifestyle expert. According to research from the Zillow\u2019s 2018 Consumer Housing Trends Report, 15 percent of those younger generation buyers hoped to buy a townhouse. Millennials are also most likely to actually buy a townhome\u201413 percent do. \u201cThat\u2019s likely because they are typically more affordable than single-family homes, but offer the feeling of living in a single-family home\u2014complete with a yard and front door,\u201d says Pendleton. \u201cAt the same time, millennials want to be closer to urban life and getting them into a townhome typically allows them to get closer to the city and still be in a place that\u2019s affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n Find the Right Location<\/strong><\/p>\n While townhouses can be built anywhere, they tend to be most prevalent in areas where space is more constrained, such as fast-growing suburbs and cities, as Pendleton suggests. According to Realtor.com, townhouses date all the way back to early England, where countrysiders looking to socialize in the city purchased smaller, part-time homes in town; hence, the origination of the term. Their shared wall design is an optimal way to accommodate for more homes on less land.<\/p>\n Being closer to the heart of things like job hubs, shopping, transit, and nightlife is a major plus for many buyers. However, as you move closer into downtown areas, it can be trickier to tell what is and isn\u2019t a townhouse. Row houses are rows of compact homes sandwiched side-by-side that share a common exterior\u2014it\u2019s no wonder they\u2019re confused for townhomes. These are particularly popular in places like Brooklyn, Boston, and San Francisco. Architecturally, row houses and townhouses might appear the same, but their ownership is much different.<\/p>\n What to Know About Homeowners Associations<\/strong><\/p>\n As part of a community, townhouse residents are bound by basic agreements, such as no pets or bold paint colors, and must pay monthly fees through a homeowners association, or HOA, by which the community and its upkeep are governed.<\/p>\n This poses the question of whether buying a townhouse versus a house is the best fit for you. Would you prefer full freedom and therefore full responsibility for a single-family home, or are you okay with a few rules and paying extra in exchange for less responsibility when it comes to the upkeep of your community’s grounds and amenities? Continue reading to learn which amenities your HOA fees go to when you own a townhouse.<\/p>\n All About Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to townhouse amenities, you get what you pay for. \u201cTownhouses are great alternatives to single-family homes as the homeowners associations typically take care of the exterior, which is great for homeowners on-the-go with busy lifestyles,” says Debbie Wong, a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate\u00ae agent. “Townhomes would have better amenities, like water and garbage and cable included in the dues as well as repair coverage for the roof and fence, whereas with a home, the homeowner would need to factor in those added costs of utilities, gardener, and regular maintenance.\u201d<\/p>\n Other amenities to factor in can include onsite fitness centers and parks, walkability to shops, public transit, job paths, and trails, and community events as well. Look for a townhouse with amenities that are high-priority on your checklist.<\/p>\n Privacy and Personalization<\/strong><\/p>\n When weighing the pros and cons of buying a townhouse, don\u2019t forget to factor in privacy and personalization. Having your own space is important, and for some, so is the ability to really make it your own. Shared walls mean more noise and less privacy, as well as having to deal with unexpected problems next door, such as a neighbor’s leak causing water to trickle into your home.<\/p>\n On the upside, not having units above or below you, as in condos and apartments, is a definite perk for minimizing disturbances. Plus, the added space means more room to personalize. Most townhouse associations provide residents with the freedom to make updates, as you own the interior, exterior, and the land on which it sits. (Just look at this before and after transformation of an Atlanta townhome!) You\u2019ll still want to ask what the guidelines are for renovation ahead of time to be sure you don\u2019t stumble upon any surprises down the road.<\/p>\n Questions to Ask When Buying a Townhouse<\/strong><\/p>\n Before you purchase a townhouse, you should know the answers to the following questions. Your real estate agent, the townhouse community representative, and your bank representative should be able to help provide information.<\/p>\n \u2022 What are the HOA fees?
\u2022 What are the HOA rules?
\u2022 What does my HOA pay for and what is there funding for?
\u2022 Can I look at the past year\u2019s HOA meeting minutes?
\u2022 Are there any major repairs coming up?
\u2022 Are there pet restrictions?
\u2022 Can I rent out my unit?
\u2022 What kind of community events are held?
\u2022 Do owners socialize or tend to keep up themselves?
\u2022 What kind of noise level can I expect?<\/p>\n