Loading...Choosing the perfect home is like finding the right puzzle piece—it has to fit your needs, budget, and future goals perfectly. If you’re craving more space than a condo but aren’t ready for a detached home, townhouses often steal the spotlight. But what if there’s another option worth considering? Duplexes, with their potential for rental income and added privacy, might surprise you. Let’s break down these two popular choices to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
What is a Duplex?
A duplex is a residential building that contains two separate legal units. They have separate entrances, kitchen, living space, and bedrooms. The units within a duplex can share a common wall or are stacked on top of each other.
What is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is an individually owned single-family home that shares one or more walls with adjacent neighbors. Townhouses are typically multi-story properties and come in various types, including traditional row, back-to-back or stacked townhomes. Some townhouses, like condo townhomes, include shared amenities and maintenance services as part of a condo corporation.
Space and Layout Differences
Although townhomes and duplex are similar in the sense that they can share a common wall with neighbours, the interior of a townhouse has more vertical footprint. Townhomes can range from 2-4 storey townhomes. On the other hand, duplexes can range from 1-2 storeys (rarely more than that). This difference in layout can impact your living experience, with townhouses providing a more multi-level lifestyle.
Privacy and Noise Considerations
Duplexes generally offer more privacy since they only share one common wall or floor/ceiling with a neighboring unit. This setup minimizes noise from adjacent properties. On the other hand, townhouses often share multiple walls, especially if you’re not living in an end unit. This can result in more potential for noise transfer.
Outdoor Space and Amenities
The availability of outdoor space varies for both townhomes and duplexes. Duplexes may feature a shared yard (shared between the two units) or separate yards – this will depend on the specific property itself. Townhomes may or may not have a yard depending on the type of townhouse that it is. If you’re looking for a private backyard space, your best bet is a traditional townhome. The back-to-back and stacked townhomes typically will not have a backyard aside from a terrace or balcony. Condo townhouses often provide access to shared amenities like pools, fitness centers, and lounges, though these come with additional maintenance fees.
Maintenance and Ownership Responsibilities
Maintenance and ownership responsibilities differ significantly between duplexes and townhouses. The owner of a duplex owns the single structure that contains the two units. For example, if the owner lived in one of the units and rented out the second unit – they would still be responsible for the maintenance of the other unit such as repairs/replacements for roof, HVAC, etc. For freehold townhome owners, you’ll also be responsible for these types of maintenance – however you’re only responsible for your unit and not anyone else’s.
Something to note is because townhomes aren’t limited to just freehold townhomes, it’s best to speak to a specialist about your specific needs. For example, there are freehold townhomes that have a Parcel of Tied Land (POTL). This may involve a monthly maintenance fee for things such as snow removal and lawn care due to private common elements such as a private road that townhomes reside on which is not served by municipal services.
Speak with one of our advisors for more information if these are of concern to you. Like we mentioned in the previous section, condo townhomes require less maintenance since the maintenance fees cover services such as lawn care, underground parking maintenance, and more.
Cost Comparison
The cost of purchasing a duplex versus a townhouse varies based on location, size, and features. Generally, duplexes tend to be more expensive due to their larger size and private outdoor areas. A benefit is that duplexes can also generate income if one unit is rented out. Townhouses are typically more affordable upfront, although bigger/newer townhomes may end up costing more than a duplex. When evaluating your budget, consider not just the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like utilities, maintenance, and possible POTL or common element fees.
Lifestyle Considerations: Which is Better for You?
When deciding between a duplex and a townhouse, consider your lifestyle and priorities:
- Space Needs: If you require more living space or value a larger yard, a duplex may be the better choice.
- Community Living: Both duplexes & townhomes can provide a sense of community depending on its location. If you’re looking for more community amenities, a condo townhouse that is part of a condo building may have more amenities.
- Privacy: For those who prioritize privacy and quiet, a duplex often offers an advantage as there’s less neighbours.
- Budget: Townhouses are usually more cost-effective, but duplexes provide opportunities for rental income as you can rent out the second unit.
- Maintenance: If you want minimal maintenance responsibilities, a condo townhouse would probably allow the least upkeep. Duplexes are similar to detached in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
Now that you know more about duplexes and townhomes and the differences in terms of cost, maintenance, responsibilities, and privacy; we hope this info can help you make an informed decision.
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