Semi-detached houses have been on the rise in popularity as a form of housing for many years, but why are they so much more popular than townhouses? There are many reasons that semi-detached homes are more desirable, and one is because you can typically get larger lot sizes. And in this blog, we are highlighting the key differences between semi-attached houses and townhouses that will help you understand the pricing difference between the two.
What Are Semi-Detached Houses?
A semi-detached home is a standalone building that shares walls with another on the same lot. It differs from an attached or row home, which shares common spaces like porches and attics. Semi-detached houses are popular due to their relatively low cost of land per square foot compared to other types of homes (especially townhouses). Semi-detached houses are designed to have a lower cost of land per square foot and provide more privacy for each resident.
What Are Townhouses?
A townhouse is a type of property that can be found in the suburbs. They are typically detached and smaller than other homes, but they offer more convenience relative to living close to where you work or play. Townhouses may come with private yards for gardening and outdoor recreation as well as some desirable amenities like garages or balconies. The two-story townhome is the most common variant of this style.
Things To Consider When Buying Houses
If you are considering investing in a townhouse or semi-detached home, you need to consider several factors.. Following are the things to consider when buying a house:
- Size of the House
One of the main factors to consider is how big you want your house to be. If you’re looking for a roomy home, then go for semi-detached homes with attached garages as they give square footage in comparison to townhouses.
The number of floors and bedrooms are also important considerations that you need to be aware of. Most semi-detached houses have one level with three or four bedrooms, while townhouses usually only have two floors and no garages.
- Maintenance Of the House
The main reason why people tend to prefer semi-detached houses is because they are easier to maintain. Townhouses, on the other hand, require more maintenance work, and it often ends up being a burden for homeowners. The upkeep of townhouses takes much time as you need to take care of all the common areas in which everyone shares with others.
This includes the garden, hallways, and other parts of townhouses that require more maintenance than just your own property in a semi-detached house. Furthermore, you need to pay one common fee with all of your neighbors for taking care of these areas, which may be hard on some budgets that are not as flexible as others. On the other hand, in a semi-detached home, you only need to pay for the upkeep of your own property.
- Privacy In the House
Privacy is a major concern in the country. And this has also led to most people preferring semi-detached houses over townhouses for their homes. With fewer people living close by and having access, there’s less risk of someone coming into your home without you being aware. In addition, some townships have more stringent requirements for townhouses than they do for semi-detached houses.
Semi-detached homes are usually smaller in size, and this can make them a good option for people living on their own or with one family member. This would mean that you still have your privacy when at home. In addition, most of these smaller-sized townhouses also come with the convenience of having a garage.
- Renovations In These Houses
Semi-detached houses are more popular than townhouses because of the renovations that can be done to them. These homes have a lot more space and resale value than their counterparts, which means they’re worth investing in.
Renovations to a semi-detached home are possible because of the large interior and exterior. Having more space means that there’s room for additions, such as an attic extension or basement conversion. This also makes it easier to increase the living area without making structural changes. If you’re looking into new homes but can’t decide between a semi-detached home and townhouse, know that the former will be easier to renovate.
A Brief Guide to Buy A House In Canada
While semi-detached homes and townhouses are among the most popular, Canada offers a lot of other house options. Irrespective of what type of house you want to invest in, there are certain factors that you should consider, including:
- Steady Flow Of Income
You need to ensure a steady flow of income is important. This means that you should have an excellent credit history, stable employment for the last few years, and assurance from your employer or company in writing. If you don’t have any other source of income, then you will not be able to afford a mortgage without having some funds saved up. If you have a steady flow of income, then it will be easier to qualify for your mortgage.
- Obtain Pre-Qualified Mortgage
When buying a property, you should first obtain a loan from your bank or lender. This way, you will know the maximum amount that can be offered to purchase and own the home of your choice.
- Organize Your Documentation
Lenders will look at three things before offering you a loan: your income, current asset, and debt level. To ascertain the same, the lender is likely to ask for the following documents:
- Photo identification granted by the government, including passport, license, etc.
- Employment and income proof.
- Proof of down payment and where you will get it (savings account, gift, sale of property, etc.)
- Information regarding debts
- Information with regards to your assets.
- Start Your House Hunting
The first thing you should do is to make a list of the features that are most important for your family. The next step would be to search online and look at houses with those features or similar ones. You can also visit real estate agents’ websites and browse their listings in order to see what’s available near where you live, work, or play. Once you’ve found a house that is suitable for your needs, it’s time to make an appointment with the agent and set up a showing.
The Bottom Line
Semi-detached homes and townhouses are both popular types of housing options in Canada. Your needs and demands determine which type of house is best for you.