Single Family Home vs Townhome – Which is Better?

Single Family Home vs Townhome

Buying, and choosing between a Single Family Home vs Townhome can be a complex decision. Lets discuss a few key differences along with pros and cons of owning either.

Single Family Home for sale in Waterleigh. Winter Garden Florida
Single Family Home for sale by Emerald Homes, D R Horton in Waterleigh. Winter Garden Florida

 

Single Family Homes

  1. The entire home is yours.  If the community has no HOA (homeowners association) you are free to keep it as you choose.
  2.  No shared walls.  This reduces noise that is common in apartments and townhomes.  Other hindrances such as broken or non repaired leaking pipes from the neighbors shared wall will not affect you.  No insects invading because neighbors in the building neglected pest control, or left open doors, or failed to seal cracks allowing in pests.
  3.  You can stay up late, play music, watch loud tv, have guests and not have to worry about disturbing neighbors.
  4.   Windows on all sides of the house.  In townhomes windows are typically in front and rear unless it is a end unit townhome which has 3 walls exposed to the outside for windows instead or 2 walls
  5.   If the community has lawn care included in the hoa you would not have to care for your lawn.  This is great for people who live out of the State.  Less to worry about while being far away.
  6.  Property on all sides. Single family homes can have land on all sides.  A pool, sitting area, or play area for children can be created in the back yard.  With a lawn comes added costs to maintain.
Townhomes For Sale In Waterleigh. Winter Garden Florida. Home vs Townhome.
Townhomes For Sale by D R Horton In Waterleigh. Winter Garden Florida

Townhomes 

  1. The townhome is great for people that are ok with a apartment, condo, or coop living and are looking for more space.
  2.   It offers only 1 or 2 shared walls(depending on if it is a end unit or not) with no one living above or below.  In comparison to a condo or apartment it may provide less noise from neighbors.
  3.   Townhomes may be a good first step for not paying rent anymore.  Townhomes in the same community are commonly lower cost than stand alone homes.
  4.  Townhomes have much lower HOA fees when compared to Condominiums.
  5.  Good for vacationers, out of towners and busy lifestyle.  Most townhomes are outside maintained by the HOA (home owner association)  The HOA takes care of the lawn and trees.   Additional things such as fence cleaning, repainting the exterior every so many years and other maintenance.
  6.   If the townhome is in the same community it will commonly cost less than single family stand alone homes.
  7. Usually the HOA takes care of the small amounts of plants and grass. So no added lawn care costs.
  8. No real backyard.  Most of the time a small sitting area is behind the house.  It may or may not have a divider fence.