4 Pros and Cons of Living in a Townhome

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Kari-Ann Ryan

In today’s market, families and individuals have many housing options from which to choose. Single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes each offer unique advantages and disadvantages. When considering a townhouse, buyers are encouraged to explore the many pros and cons of ownership.

What is a townhouse?

Most people are familiar with the free-standing, detached homes that dot the landscape. But townhouses, too, are sprinkled throughout neighborhoods in both urban and suburban locales. Townhome structures feature multiple floors and share one or two walls with adjacent properties.

In comparison to the cost of single-family homes, townhouses are relatively less expensive. This is due in part to the smaller footprint and shared walls. The lower purchase price is also true despite the similarity in square footage to single-family houses.

Built with multiple stories, the townhome structure takes advantage of the economics of vertical space. Since townhouses are affordable and situated within the vicinity of single-family homes, homebuyers are able to purchase a property in an otherwise relatively expensive neighborhood.

Owners of townhomes are a part of the homeowners’ association (HOA) and pay monthly fees. Townhome owners are responsible for the upkeep of the interior and exterior of the building, and payment into an HOA ensures the exterior and outdoor areas are regularly maintained.

Pros of Townhomes

Pro 1: Affordability

Affordability is just one of the many distinct advantages that come with townhome ownership. The national average for a 1,500 square foot traditional-style, fully built townhome is $166,500. Luxury townhomes are priced around $312,500. Lower-cost townhomes may be purchased for $77,250.

Pro 2: Amenities

Some townhomes are a part of a development. In such cases, amenities, such as a pool and clubhouse, may be available. Families with children will appreciate the ample outdoor space that comes with townhouses. The biggest amenity is a prime location close to work, shopping, and transportation.

Pro 3: Freedom

Townhouse owners must abide by the rules imposed by the HOA. The HOA establishes rules to ensure that the properties are maintained in a certain way. Still, in comparison with condo owners, townhouse owners have more freedom to make decisions regarding the interior and exterior space.

Pro 4: Less Maintenance

Being smaller than a single-family home, a townhome is less costly to maintain; or, upkeep is less labor intensive. Since townhouse owners pay into an HOA, the association takes care of exterior maintenance, such as lawn mowing and snow shoveling.

Cons of Townhomes

Con 1: HOA Fees

While the HOA covers exterior maintenance, the downside is that association services come with a hefty fee that can change or increase over time. Depending on what the HOA provides, monthly HOA fees can range from $100 to $700, with $200 being the average.

Con 2: HOA Restrictions

The HOA is a legal entity with the aim to preserve the value of its properties. Consequently, an HOA may have rules that townhouse owners find restrictive. Common rules involve landscaping, exterior decorations, design changes (such as painting the townhome), exterior storage, and noise levels.

Con 3: Less Privacy

Since townhomes are built so that each structure shares at least one wall with another property, townhome owners have less privacy. The noise pollution emanating from an adjacent neighbor’s home is likely to permeate the walls of the property next door.

Con 4: Resale Value

A townhome is an affordable option for new families. But once the family grows and a bigger home is needed, townhome owners are likely to find that their property has failed to appreciate in value. Consequently, when reselling, families will experience a harm in their investment potential.

Who should buy a townhouse?

First-time homebuyers are able to afford a smaller townhouse property while being close to urban centers; and, as townhome owners, they learn what home ownership involves. Millennials with little home ownership experience are among the best candidates for townhome ownership.

Empty nesters, too, benefit from downsizing and having reduced home maintenance tasks. Members of the Baby Boomer generation fit these criteria. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the yard space and manageable interior areas of a townhome are ideal for young, growing families.

When buying a townhome, be familiar with the property prices in the area. The price per square foot differs from city to city. Townhome costs can make or break a deal, but equally critical is understanding the HOA fees prior to buying.

Being preapproved for financing is important. When qualifying for financing, the HOA fees are factored into the purchase price. High HOA fees can easily disqualify a potential townhome buyer. Plus getting preapproved allows the buyer to know what prices are within an affordable range.

Moving Assistance to a Townhome

Buying the perfect townhome is an exciting move for young families and a relief for retirees who no longer want major home maintenance responsibilities. When you are preparing to upgrade or downsize your home, you need a reliable moving company, like Mid-West Moving & Storage, on your side.

Our professional moving crews are experienced in a wide range of residential moves. We have successfully relocated countless families and individuals to and from apartments, houses, condos, retirement homes and dorms. Our movers prioritize security and the careful handling of your goods.

Mid-West Moving & Storage crews are background-checked, licensed and insured so that our customers experience maximum peace of mind. We are careful to employ strategies to protect your valuables during the move, such as using carpet shields, railing covers, and door jambs.

Our specialists are available to facilitate all aspects of your move. We create a detailed plan for the move, provide packing and unpacking services, offer short- and long-term storage services, and communicate with you throughout the move so that you stay updated on its progress.

When a residential relocation within or around Chicago is on the horizon, schedule your upcoming move with Mid-West Moving & Storage. We take pride in our commitment to excellence and affordable moving services.