All right, let’s forget about condominiums for now and talk about houses and the different types available in the market. Understanding the differences – the pros and cons of each type, such as single-detached, duplex, and townhouse properties, can really help potential homebuyers decide what is best for them.
Understanding the Basics of Single-Detached, Duplex, and Townhouse
A single-detached home, often referred to as a “single-family home,” is a standalone residential building on its own lot, not attached to any other dwelling. Detached homes typically offer the most privacy and autonomy for homeowners, making them the preferred choice for many families.
Examples of single-detached homes for sale in Iloilo are: Criselle by Savannah, Casa Mira’s Single Detached Model, Stephanie by Parc Regency
In contrast, a duplex, also called a single-attached, is a single building divided into two separate residential units, either side-by-side, or stacked (which is very rare in Iloilo). Duplexes allow for shared walls between the units, providing cost savings but less privacy than a detached home.
Examples of Duplex houses in Iloilo: Maple Plus of Emerald Estates, Ezabelle by Savannah
A townhouse, also known as a row house, is a style of housing where individual homes are attached, usually in a row. Townhouses share common walls with neighboring properties on either side, but the homeowner owns the interior of the unit and a small exterior space (usually the yard and carport in front of the house).
Houses on the end of the row are preferred because they only have one neighboring house and typically have extra lot space on the side. Needless to say, the end houses are more expensive than the houses in the middle of the row.
Popular townhouses available for sale in Iloilo are: Alice at Monticello Intimo, Arielle At Lessandra, Casa Mira’s Model A
Pros and Cons of Single-Detached Homes
The main advantage of single-detached houses is the sweet, sweet privacy you get. No shared walls mean you don’t have to worry about noisy neighbors or accidentally overhearing their “business”. You will also likely have a bigger yard space that you can beautify as you see fit.
The downside? Well, it has to be the price. Single-detached homes tend to be pricier than other housing options. And you could be missing out on that great feeling of having neighbors and a sense of community, which is proven to be healthy for families.
So if you value your personal space and don’t mind spending a bit more, a single-detached home might be right up your alley. But if you’re looking for something more low-maintenance and budget-friendly, you might want to explore other housing types. Just something to think about!
The Upsides and Downsides of Duplex Living
Living in a duplex has its ups and downs. On one hand, you get that semi-detached vibe without having to fork over a ton of cash for a full-blown house. But on the other hand, you might have to deal with a noisy neighbor or less privacy.
The main perk of a single-attached house or duplex is the cost. It’s definitely more affordable than a single-family home. If you know your neighbors well — say an extended family, and your family gets along well with them, you will get that great feeling of connectedness, security, and community.
However, the downside is you’re somewhat stuck with whoever moves in next door. If you don’t have control over who’s going to be your neighbor, you might luck out and get cool people, but there’s always the risk of ending up with a total nightmare.
On the investment side, you may opt to acquire the whole duplex and rent out the other unit. That way, you get to decide who your neighbors will be, and you receive rental income on the side.
Townhouse Living: Exploring the Middle Ground
Townhouses offer a middle ground between condos and houses. Luxury condos can be too expensive for the space, while houses are also costly. Townhouses provide more interior space than apartments at a more affordable price than a full-size house, making them a suitable compromise.
What exactly is a townhouse? Essentially, it’s a multi-level, attached home that shares walls with its neighbors on either side. You get less privacy, almost condo-like, and with probably fewer amenities. However, it offers the benefits of community living. In many developments, you usually get a carport, your own small outdoor space, even if it’s just a patio or balcony.
The best townhouse units are the end units of the row. Those units will only have one neighbor, essentially making it a duplex.
Ultimately, townhouse living is about finding the sweet spot between too much and too little. It’s a lifestyle choice. If you enjoy community living with a spacious home interior, you are in luck because townhouses offer that without a high cost of ownership.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Single-Detached, Duplex, and Townhouse
In conclusion, the factors to consider are: personal lifestyle, privacy threshold, cost of ownership, living space, location, development features, and amenities.
There are families that don’t mind living closely with neighbors and actually thrive from it. However, there are plenty that want a serene and private abode.
So, if you are shopping for a home for your family, think deeply about the things discussed here and talk it over with your real estate agent, who can provide some enlightenment.
