Townhouse: Advantages and Disadvantages
If you are looking for some kind of a “middle ground’ between a condominium and a detached single family home a townhouse may be the best option. A townhouse or townhome is a house attached to one or more other homes, but the land on which it sits is the property of the house owner as well.
Townhouse communities differ in structure. If it is a duplex or a triplex, the homes and the parcels of land on which they sit may be owned separately. If it is a larger community, there may be provided an additional shared ownership of such amenities as park areas, swimming pools, etc. which are jointly owned by all townhouse owners in the complex.
Before purchasing a townhouse you should thoroughly consider all pros and cons. Living in a townhome certainly has a number of advantages:
- A townhouse is usually cheaper than a single residential home and it has a smaller yard to upkeep so you won’t have much yard work to do.
- Since a townhouse is attached to another house on one or more sides the amount of exterior maintenance it needs is drastically reduced, which is a considerable budget relief.
- There may be some community facilities: swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, etc.
- Being so close to the neighbors may be a pleasant experience of a close-knit community, moreover, it may provide for a higher level of security.
- There are no neighbors above and below. No footsteps overhead will ever interfere with your sleep, and you don’t have to tippy-toe across the floor at night.
- You won’t have to mow the lawn, rake leaves, etc., it will be paid for by the maintenance fee.
But there are also some disadvantages as well:
- If there is a homeowners’ association, you will have to pay a homeowners’ fee.
- A townhouse provides less privacy as compared to a detached single-family home.
- There are some limits on the exterior changes you can do to the home.
So if the idea of having a house of your own without having to deal with exterior maintenance appeals to you, a small backyard deck satisfies your needs in backyard space, and living close to your neighbors does not seem like a nightmare to you in case you don’t have them above and below – a townhouse is certainly your choice. The only thing left is to find a suitable location for your townhouse. We suggest you consider the sunny land of Lake County, Florida. The striking beauty of its lakes and rivers, expansive parks and recreational facilities make it an attracting option for a newly-fledged townhouse owner. The small neat towns of Eustis, Leesburg, Tavares or Mount Dora, Florida may be your perfect choice