The task of buying a house in Toronto comes with a lot of questions, especially in the beginning stages. Some are practical, like how much your budget should be and whether or not you should get pre-approved (hint: you should!)

Others are more emotional, which can get you even more elated about your upcoming move, such as what amenities are nearby and what your new neighbours will be like.

One of your first decisions will be what type of house structure to zero in on. Until now, maybe you’ve never realized precisely how many possibilities are out there — detached homes, heritage homes, condo units, semi-detached houses, and townhouses. Which one is right for you?

Each comes with a long list of advantages and a few considerations before making the commitment. In this post, we’ll take a deeper look at freehold townhouses versus semi-detached homes.

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What Is the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Semi-Detached?

Let’s start with the easiest question first. A townhouse and semi-detached house are similar in that both have at least one shared wall with a neighbour.

  • What is a semi-detached house: You can be sure that it’s just you and one other household. A townhouse means that you have a neighbour on both sides, unless you are in an end unit. Or if you are in a stacked townhouse, in which case you may also have a neighbour above or below you.
  • What is a townhosue: Often called row houses because they contain multiple residential units all lined up in a row. They can also be either freehold or condo depending on the management style.

A freehold townhouse is when you own both the house and the land. There could be Parcel of Tied Land fees to cover shared maintenance, but these tend to be much lower than regular condo fees. Beyond that, you are responsible for all repairs and maintenance. However, you also have more freedom in terms of renovations and upgrades than you would with a condo.

Searching for the perfect semi-detached house or townhouse in Toronto? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s all right here in our featured listings.

Semi-Detached or Townhouse: Pros and Cons

Listing the pros and cons is a bit challenging. What’s a benefit to one buyer could be a deal breaker to another. Nevertheless, each structure has distinct features that might entice you to fall in love at first sight.

Why should you choose Toronto or Midtown for your next home? You’ll get a few ideas in the posts below:

Affordability

One of the biggest advantages of both semi-detached homes and townhouses is their affordability. Generally speaking, semi-detached homes are more expensive, but not always. Some townhouses can be quite luxurious!

Nevertheless, either structure can represent an excellent opportunity for a first-time buyer or young family who wants to put down roots in one of Toronto’s most desirable areas. Semi-detached homes can retain their value and appreciate at a faster pace.

That said, future real estate values are not set in stone and will vary based on location and type of building. For example, freehold townhouses in very desirable neighbourhoods could grow in value just as well as semis. As an added bonus, you benefit from lower heating and cooling costs, thanks to greater insulation from shared walls.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an attribute some home buyers don’t think about, especially when they are young and have their whole life ahead of them. In most cases, townhouses are narrower, yet they still allow a generous amount of square footage.

Just keep in mind that the living space is often spread out over multiple storeys. If stairs become a problem or you’re just the type of person who prefers everything on one level, a townhouse could be a disadvantage. On the other hand, if your smart watch indicates it’s time to get up and stretch, multiple stairs can turn your home into a fully customized and private gym at no extra cost!

Semi-detached homes are typically spread out over a larger area, which allows the same amount of living space with fewer levels. This also means fewer stairs, which can be a major advantage on laundry day.

Shared Neighbours

Some home buyers greatly prefer the privacy that a semi-detached house provides. With only one neighbour, there is less noise to worry about and more space for everyone to enjoy.

Living in a townhouse seems less private for some people but offers a sense of community for others. For some buyers, having more people around is the deal breaker. Others appreciate the security of being surrounded by neighbours on all sides.

If one of these neighbours is a fantastic cook or loves to bake, even better! More people around can translate into frequent visits for socialization or just to sit and chat over a coffee. The right situation is like having a built-in support system of friends and honorary family members.

Are you gearing up for a new home purchase? The posts below will help you hit the ground running:

Outdoor Living Space

Both semi-detached houses and townhouses offer outdoor areas where you can lounge and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Typically, you will have more space in a semi-detached home. Just be aware that this will also come with more responsibilities, like trimming the weeds, cutting the grass, and clearing snow from what is likely a larger front driveway or sidewalk.

A townhouse still provides a backyard or patio for outdoor entertaining. Some maintenance will be required, but the tasks can be more manageable and less time-consuming. A townhouse could be ideal for someone with a hectic schedule or who just prefers to spend less time cutting the grass. If in doubt, talk to your local real estate agent. We are happy to go over the pros and cons in more detail and help you find the perfect fit.

Want a customized plan and unparalleled service for your next move? Our Midtown Toronto real estate agents are here for you. Reach out to us at david@batorigroup.com, bobby@batorigroup.com or call (416) 485-7575 with any questions.