Buying a home has always been seen as a financial and a major milestone in life—a dream every Filipino family aspires to have.

In this regard, individuals would work hard in the endeavor of having their own homes. Today, however, most prospective homebuyers are still of the impression that their home buying options are limited to two choices: a condo unit or a single detached, also known as a single-family home while disregarding the practicality of choosing a townhouse.

For years now, townhouses have been the practical option for potential Filipino homeowners who want to commit to having their own abode without the exorbitant costs. Essentially, you can think of a townhome as the midway point between an apartment and a detached house. It is generally more private and affords you more space, but townhouses are still attached to their neighboring houses, unlike a single-detached home.

With townhouses, you will be sharing a wall or two with your neighbors. If you are okay with that, you will find that a townhouse is a convenient family home choice.

Luckily, the Philippines has its fair share of suburban areas with a high concentration of townhouse units. So, whether you are looking for a new townhouse in Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon City, you will find no shortage of townhouse options. More importantly, these cities are rife with constantly buzzing areas while having several pockets ideal for serene living.

In this regard, residing in any of the key cities and areas mentioned above would mean getting to enjoy the perks of urban living without compromising your peace and quiet.

So, if you are in the process of deciding between buying a detached standalone unit and a townhouse, it is only natural to wonder about the pros and cons. That said, your decision to buy a townhouse or apartment should start with prioritizing the needs and wants of those who will potentially live in it.

Wherever you may decide to purchase your townhouse, considering the advantages and disadvantages is paramount. Below is a list of pros and cons for this particular real estate investment.

PROS OF BUYING A TOWNHOUSE

Townhouses are cheaper alternatives

The affordable cost is primarily the most significant advantage of purchasing apartments and townhouses. Like condominiums, townhouses come in a ready-made state, which means that you no longer have to put up with the lengthy construction process.

While the asking price for these properties differs depending on location, townhouses are generally known for being cheaper than their detached counterparts. To give you a general idea of this comparison in cost, three-bedroom apartments typically cost Php1-2 million more than a townhouse unit.

Townhouses provide the benefits of both condo and single detached houses

One of the biggest benefits of owning a townhouse is that they afford you the benefits of both a condo unit and a single-detached house to a certain extent. They are similar to a single-detached house in terms of purchasing, wherein you own both the unit itself and the land it is on.

On the other hand, sharing a wall or two with neighbors and being in a ready-made state are as far as a townhouse’s similarity with a condo goes.

Townhouses have tight-knit community and guaranteed security

Wherever you may choose to live, security is always paramount. That said, townhouses provide a better sense of security than other housing types. Typically, townhouse units are situated inside gated communities or subdivisions that come with security detail services.

In this regard, residents can rest peacefully and at ease knowing that they are adequately protected as nothing goes through the gates without the knowledge of the employed security guards.

On another note, living in gated communities or subdivisions tends to foster good relations with your neighbors. That said, townhouses tend to cultivate a good sense of community among residents as it promotes common interest and a tight-knit environment to its dwellers.

Townhouses are easier to maintain

Typically, everyone will have the same leases and rules applying throughout the building in a particular townhouse block. In this way, disputes and any arising issues will be easier to handle and resolve. Similarly, the cost for maintaining the exteriors of properties for purchase will also be shared among homeowners.

Townhouses have plenty of living space

Many homeowners are under the impression that sharing a wall or two with their neighbors would compromise space. However, this is a common misconception that should be addressed as townhouses are every bit as roomy as their detached counterparts.

If you are smart in your floor plan approach, you will feel like you live in a much bigger home than you originally thought your townhouse to be.

CONS OF BUYING A TOWNHOUSE

Indeed, the advantages of living in a townhouse may certainly be compelling, but to make an informed decision, it is imperative to determine its less-desirable aspects as well.

Townhouses pretty much look the same

If you are particularly concerned about aesthetics, you might find yourself disappointed that townhouses and apartments tend to look the same. Moreover, they tend to have fewer upgrades than single-detached homes—especially the exteriors.

As townhouses share the same architectural design and a common wall, units need to be uniform. Depending on the developer, you may have some leeway concerning its exterior aesthetics.

Townhouses tend to lack privacy

Considering that townhouses share a wall or two with neighbors, there is a very likely chance that privacy will be compromised. The proximity between you and your neighbors could mean not having enough privacy compared to a single-detached home.

Similarly, it can also mean being subjected to the noise your neighbors make, which may pose a problem if you move in next to particularly noisy neighbors.

Townhouses lack of front yard and backyard space

One feature that standalone homes have, which townhouses noticeably lack, is the abundance of front and backyard space. Townhouses tend to have limited front and backyard footage which can be quite a problem for families who wish to utilize their yards as playgrounds for their children.

In Amaia townhomes, this should not be a worry. After all, there is ample space to breathe because there are many open spaces within the community.

Townhouses have accessibility issues

Metro Manila’s townhouses are typically clustered in subdivisions, which means that they may not be accessible to common public transportation routes. That said, it might be best to consider transportation options before purchasing a townhouse to avoid incurring bigger expenses in the future.

Townhouses are typically prevalent in highly desirable urban areas where almost everything you need is within reach. If you gravitate towards real estate markets where life is exciting, convenient, and comfortable, you might want to consider purchasing a townhouse. They offer all the perks attached to homeownership sans the lengthy construction time.

While there are pros and cons to buying or living in a townhouse, always keep in mind weighing your options and thinking of the individual needs and wants of those who will be potentially residing in it.

If interested in Amaia properties such as townhouse developments or other property investment opportunities, do not hesitate to get in touch with us here on our website.