Townhouses For Sale Vancouver

In today’s real estate market, more and more people are looking to purchase a townhouse over a regular home.  There are many reasons why.  First, let’s take a look at the difference between a townhouse and a condo, and then we’ll take a look at some of the top reasons to consider purchasing a townhouse vs. a condo or a single family home.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between a townhouse and a condo is architecture.  While technically they are fairly similar in terms of ownership, a townhouse is architecturally closer to a single family home, whereas a condo is more like an apartment.

The main architectural differences are that condos tend to be one or two stories with smaller square footage, whereas townhouses are often two stories, with a much larger square footage, giving the townhouse more of a ‘house’ feeling. In addition, a townhome typically will have a yard and its own unique front entrance.

So what are the benefits of purchasing a townhouse over a condo?  Read on…

Better Than a Condo

While you may think a townhouse is the same thing as a condo, that really isn’t the case.  A townhouse is actually an independent piece of real estate that is owned entirely by the homeowner.  This means that it is not just the structure itself, but the land the structure resides on, that is owned by the homeowner, whereas with a condo, the owner only owns the actual structure.  So what does the actually mean?  Well, it means that if you buy a townhouse, you have much more freedom when it comes to what you do with the land you own.  Think garden, hot tub, whatever you please, without the restrictions that a strata association places on home owners.

Better Than a House

While there are clear advantages to owning a single family home, if you are a person that doesn’t like to do maintenance to the exterior of your home, a townhouse is the right answer for you.  While you are entirely responsible for the interior of the townhouse, most townhouse home owner associations will be responsible for the exterior maintenance of the structure, in order to ensure that all of the townhouses have a uniform appearance with others in the complex or neighborhood.

Additionally, the home owner association typically maintains all common areas such as sidewalks, parking areas and shared driveway.  Just imagine being in the middle of a major snow storm, and take great glee in the fact that you do not have to shovel the walks!

A Sense of Community

In a townhouse complex, most residents will tell you that they feel a strong sense of community, mostly due to the close proximity in which the residents live.  It’s easier to get to know your neighbors.  And the result is that people tend to keep an eye on for each other and the security of their homes.  Think neighborhood watch.  As well, most modern townhouse neighborhoods have top notch security systems in place to protect the residents.

And of course, there are the perks of shared common areas such as playgrounds, BBQ areas, pools and other amenities where residents can hang out together doing activities that might not be available to those who live in single detached homes.

And lastly, as mentioned previously, most townhouse home owners associations will be responsible for maintenance of all of these types of amenities.  All the residents have to do is sit back and enjoy the available leisure activities with a sense of peace and security!

The Financial Advantages of Owning a Townhouse

There are many many financial advantages to owning a townhouse.  Along with the perks listed above, townhouse owners generally pay much less than they would for a single family home, yet the benefits including such things as equity and resale value remind high.  This means that being a home owner is more accessible to first time buyers and younger people looking to experience their first home purchase.

Also take into consideration the fact that townhouse owners generally pay less for things like heating and electricity because of how townhouses are usually constructed – with shared walls that work to keep heat in and electricity costs lower than an average single family home.

Location Location Location

Now that we’ve discussed the many advantages of buying a townhouse vs. a condo, the next step is to start thinking about where you’d like to set down roots.  In Vancouver, townhouses are becoming the most popular options for both new and experienced purchasers alike with offerings that are suitable for all tastes.  Let’s break it down a little…

Townhouses For Sale Vancouver And Young Families

Are you a young family looking to purchase your first home?  Look no further than Vancouver’s finest family neighborhoods including Arbutus, Renfrew, Dunbar, Killarney, Kerrisdale and more.  These communities offer a family environment with schools, parks, shopping and community services all within close proximity.  Feel safe and secure knowing that you’ll reside in one of the city’s most established areas where generations of grown up. Due to the high cost of detached homes, many young families are looking for townhouses for sale Vancouver as an alternative to detached homes.

Executives on the Go

If you’re an executive looking for a place to call home within city limits, you’ll find a wide variety of townhouse offerings in the downtown core that include Coal Harbour, Downtown West, False Creek, Hastings, Yaletown, and the West End.

The Boho Life

Are you more of the bohemian type and want to be close to Vancouver’s thriving arts community?  Check out your townhouse options in neighborhoods like Fairview, Grandview, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant.

Townhouses For Sale Vancouver – Upscale Values

While some of Vancouver’s more upscale neighborhoods used to be mainly comprised of sprawling estates and mansions, if you’re looking to purchase a townhouse in one of these areas, you’re in luck.  You’ll find existing and new developments in such tony areas as Point Grey and Shaughnessy.

Townhouses For Sale Vancouver Summary

As you can see, there are so many advantages to townhouse living, and with a variety of Vancouver neighborhoods to choose from, there’s something for everyone to choose from.  Young families, old families, singles, professionals, and even the arts crowd will find themselves at home in one of Vancouver’s premier townhouse developments. Google searches for ‘townhouses for sale Vancouver’ are definitely on the rise as detached homes continue to be out of the reach for many first time home buyers.