House hunting can be overwhelming because of the sheer number of options to consider. Even after you’ve narrowed down a neighbourhood, you still need to choose the type of housing that suits you the best. While detached houses and condominiums have their own appeal, townhouses are a popular residential option for buyers in the Lower Mainland, especially those looking for starter homes in Abbotsford or more specifically the Eagle Mountain area where home prices have stayed consistent. If you’re interested in the Abbotsford area I have written an article about everything you need to know when moving to the city.
Townhouses are often thought of as that perfect middle ground between a single, detached home and a condo unit. You’ll still have ample living space and your own front door, but you’ll be living in a shared area. While some townhouses have communal walls, there are also some that are detached and will offer a little bit more privacy. Townhouses are often regulated by a homeowners association or HOA. Check out some available townhomes in the Abbotsford area.
If you’ve got your eye on a townhouse in the Eagle Mountain area or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, here are a few advantages to consider:
- There’s nothing like homeownership
For as long as you’re renting, you’ll only have so much freedom when it comes to what you can do with the property. Any design or structure changes will have to go through your landlord. When you purchase a townhouse, you have full rights to your property—house and land alike! The choice to add a sunroom or renovate the bathroom is yours—assuming you comply with local regulation and your homeowners association, of course!
- You get the benefits of shared amenities
Because townhouses are often managed by strata corporations, there are often amenities you can take advantage of. Some townhouses are located within planned communities with playgrounds, pools, and other communal services. Some offer lawn maintenance and landscaping services for a monthly fee and put bylaws in place that can be beneficial, such as banning smoking in common areas. While the shared amenities will certainly vary from property to property, you will often find the burden of home maintenance lighter with a townhouse making it a great first time home purchase.
- Townhouses cost less than detached houses
You can find townhouses of a variety of sizes and many offer the same spacious interiors that detached houses do. In general, though, townhouses are more affordable because of the smaller land area that they occupy. Land comes at a premium price in the Lower Mainland, especially in densely populated areas like Walnut Grove or Brookswood in Langley. When you’re looking for a starter house, comparatively affordable prices often make townhouses more appealing than detached homes. Find out what type of mortgage you can afford with my mortgage calculator.
- Townhouses are commonly located in strategic locations
Most of the time, townhouses are built with convenience in mind. You can find them strategically located near shopping malls like Willowbrook or Sevenoaks, plazas, parks, restaurants, schools, and more. Whether you’re heading to your office, picking up groceries, or going to see a movie, a home in a convenient location will minimize travel time and allow you to spend more time on what matters most: living.
Conclusion
Townhouses offer homeowners convenience and comfort in one easy package. If you’re looking for a good starter home in which to live by yourself, with a partner, or with a small family, then a townhome might just be the perfect choice for you. They are typically more affordable than other options and strategically built in convenient locations.
If you’re in search of townhomes in Abbotsford or Langley, get in touch with me today and see how I can help you!