Would You Rather have a Duplex or a Townhome?

Would You Rather have a Duplex or a Townhome? A duplex and a townhouse are two kinds of residential properties that are often confused with each other.

Knowing the differences between the properties' characteristics can help guide you.

You should compare the advantages and disadvantages, in our opinion, of duplexes and townhomes as investment properties.

Suppose you are looking into renting a duplex or even purchasing your first townhome, locally or in other places like Bendigo, Australia. In that case, you might want to consider using a local broker. Using a local broker should be able to help find a property. My local broker might be able to help you in your search of the property market.

The site understands the ins and outs of your area and can connect you with a local agent to help you rent or buy a home.

Rent a Duplex or Own a Townhome

Townhomes and duplexes appear similar. Although these two abodes might share almost an identical floor plan, their differences are numerous.

When people normally think of a contemporary property, a townhome and a duplex are sometimes the first things that pop up.

Get to know the generalities, explore the similarities and differences of these two properties.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Duplex

Pros

Duplex property might be able to provide two sources of income if you rent them out.

Suppose you have amenities such as a yard, driveway, or garage available by your tenants. These features might attract renters better.

A duplex might be a good choice solution if you want to live in one unit and rent out the other one.

Cons

Duplexes generally have more units than single-family homes. So you may have fewer options.

If you choose tenants who turn out to be noisy or bothersome, living near them could be disruptive.

Investing in real estate can be risky: Property values can decline, and the responsibilities of being a landlord might take a toll on you.

What Is a Duplex?

Duplexes are two-family homes built on a single lot. They can be "side-by-side"—duplexes that share a common wall between them—or an "up-and-down" split of a single-family home.

The latter is where the upper level of a home converts into another living space. In contrast, the lower level remains as part of the original house.

Duplexes are usually highly similar or even identical.

As a result, duplex owners can house-hack, which means they can occupy one unit and rent out the other.

Pros and Cons of a Townhome

Pros

Maintenance.The cost can be at times shared between townhome owners, depending on the structure of association. Such as a pool, gym, lawn maintenance and gate.

Suppose the townhouse is part of a condo association. In that case, the association may also take care of exterior maintenance on the property. You may want to ask the same question the point of contact if it is homeowners association.

Amenities. As part of a development, townhouses might include amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, or clubhouse.

Outdoor space. Unlike apartments, townhouses typically have a private yard, patio, and possibly a private garage.

Cons

Homeowners association. Homeowners associations (HOAs) can impose restrictions on property owners.

These may include rules about the color of your front door and which types of windows you can install.

HOAs also generally charge monthly fees, which must be included in your household budget.

Noise pollution. Living close to your neighbors, you'll likely have to deal with more noise and traffic than if you lived in a detached single-family home.

Multi-floor living. Climbing stairs can be difficult for some who may not have the upper body strength to negotiate steep flights.

What Is a Townhome?

Townhouses are privately-owned homes arranged in rows, typically two or more stories tall, and sharing one or more walls with other units.

Unlike condos, in which the exterior of the building is owned by the association single-family homes' exteriors are owned by the residents.

Maintenance costs are determined by an association, while generally each owner holds homeowners' insurance.

When deciding whether to invest in a duplex or a townhome, the decision may come down to your lifestyle and financial situation.

As always, a consultation with a real estate agent will help you sort through your options and choose the suitable investment for you.