Are Townhomes Considered Multifamily? Understanding the Differences

If you’re looking at homes for sale in Washington State, you might wonder if townhomes fall under the category of multifamily properties. While they’re sometimes misclassified this way, townhomes actually offer a unique blend of privacy, community, and urban convenience. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between townhomes and multifamily properties and discover why townhomes are a fantastic option for homebuyers.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into townhomes’ unique benefits, it’s helpful to do property types comparison.

Single-Family Homes: Single-family homes are stand-alone properties that offer unmatched privacy and full control over both the house and land. Homeowners can enjoy the freedom to customize their space, create expansive outdoor areas, and benefit from strong property value appreciation. These homes typically provide ample room for families and lifestyle needs. While maintenance responsibilities are higher, many find the independence and personalized living experience well worth it.

Multifamily Properties: Multifamily properties, such as apartments, duplexes, and condos, are designed to house multiple families in separate units within a single building and typically share common walls. While they may offer rental income potential and consolidated management, they come with notable downsides. Residents often face limited privacy, shared spaces, and noise issues due to close neighbors. Customization options are restricted, and HOA fees or shared maintenance costs can add financial strain. For buyers seeking more space, independence, and a personalized lifestyle, multifamily properties may fall short compared to single-family homes or townhomes.

Townhomes: Townhomes offer the best of both worlds. Owners enjoy the independence of having their own unit, complete with private entrances and often a small yard or patio, providing a sense of personal space. Unlike multifamily properties, townhomes strike a balance between privacy and community, with shared walls connecting neighbors. The presence of HOAs ensures that common areas are maintained, relieving homeowners of some upkeep responsibilities while preserving the property’s aesthetics. This blend of autonomy and shared support makes townhomes a unique and attractive option for buyers seeking a low maintenance yet private living experience.

Why Townhomes Aren’t Multifamily

While townhomes share some physical characteristics with multifamily properties, their setup is distinct, influencing townhome ownership and the investment value they hold.

Ownership Structure: Townhome buyers own their unit and the land it occupies, setting them apart from condos and other multifamily property types where ownership is typically limited to the interior. This ownership model provides more autonomy and control over the property, unlike multifamily properties, where residents often rent and have less direct investment in the building.

Private Outdoor Spaces: Townhomes frequently offer private outdoor spaces, ideal for those who want a garden or patio without the full responsibility of a yard. Many MSR townhomes, like Rêve59, provide scenic views and tranquil backyard spaces, perfect for Seattle’s outdoor enthusiasts. These private areas enhance the sense of ownership, unlike multifamily properties where shared amenities are the norm.

HOA Responsibilities: HOAs are common in both condos and townhomes but function differently. In multifamily buildings, HOAs or property management handle all aspects of maintenance. In townhomes, HOAs typically oversee communal areas only, giving owners more freedom and fewer restrictions compared to those in multifamily settings.

The Benefits of Townhome Living

Living in a townhome brings several advantages, especially when compared to traditional multifamily properties.

Community Feel: Townhomes foster a sense of connection with neighbors through shared walls and common spaces, creating opportunities for community engagement while maintaining more privacy than apartments or condos in larger multifamily buildings.

Lower Maintenance: While townhome owners have more autonomy than those in multifamily units, HOAs often handle external maintenance and landscaping. This shared maintenance reduces the burden on townhome owners, contrasting with the all-encompassing property management of multifamily properties. For instance, MSR Communities offers meticulously crafted townhomes with quality materials designed to last, making them attractive for buyers looking for low-maintenance residential property types.

Affordability: Townhomes provide an affordable path into homeownership in the Seattle area compared to detached single-family homes. This affordability allows buyers to invest in prime locations near amenities like Alderwood Mall, dining spots, and parks without the cost and upkeep of larger single-family properties or the trade-offs seen in multifamily investment options.

Urban Convenience: Many Seattle townhomes are strategically built in transit-friendly areas, offering easy access to light rail stations and bus routes. Such perfectly located townhomes make them a practical choice for tech professionals. The combination of urban access and private space highlights the reason for townhomes to stand apart from multifamily properties in terms of both lifestyle and ownership.

Investment Potential: The strong Seattle market supports both living in and investing in townhomes. Unlike traditional multifamily properties where return on investment is tied solely to rental income, townhome ownership offers the potential for long-term appreciation and rental income. MSR Communities’ strategic developments in high-demand areas further increase the likelihood of property value growth, appealing to those interested in multifamily investment alternatives.

Townhomes in Seattle: A Perfect Fit

Seattle’s townhome communities, especially those developed by MSR Communities, combine luxury with convenience. Developments like The Shore16 in Kenmore offer proximity to Lake Washington and the Burke-Gilman Trail, appealing to outdoor lovers. The high-quality finishes and community amenities make these properties desirable for those seeking more than just a place to live. This lifestyle, contrasting with the shared experiences in multifamily properties, emphasizes the unique appeal of townhome living.

Additionally, Seattle’s booming tech industry supports townhome ownership for professionals working at Microsoft, Amazon, or Google. Many townhome communities are conveniently located near these tech hubs, making commuting easier and reducing stress. This proximity, coupled with the community-focused nature of townhome living, makes them an attractive residential property type for families and young professionals alike.

Many MSR Communities are also situated within top-rated school districts, such as the Northshore School District, ensuring quality education for children—a key consideration that sets townhomes apart from multifamily properties that may lack a family-oriented environment.

Conclusion

Townhomes offer a middle ground between single-family homes and multifamily apartments, combining privacy, lower maintenance, and a strong sense of community. For Seattle homebuyers, townhomes by MSR Communities offer proximity to popular spots like Alderwood Mall, scenic parks, and efficient transit options.

Experience the best of both worlds with townhome living—offering the benefits of homeownership found in single-family homes and the convenience of urban multifamily properties.

To discover more about MSR Communities’ townhomes for sale, visit MSR Communities and find your ideal home in a vibrant community.