The pros and cons of buying a freehold townhouse

Finding the perfect home that suits your lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint. But this process can be a bit easier once you’ve narrowed down the type of home you're looking for. For many aspiring homeowners, a freehold townhouse can be a great option: it offers the space of a single-family house without the maintenance fees of a condo. This is the primary difference between a condo townhouse and a freehold townhouse. 

Owning a freehold townhouse is similar in nature to that of a semi-detached or detached home, in the sense that when you purchase the property, you’re the owner of the entire physical house, as well as the land. Compared to a condo townhouse, where you own just the unit and the exterior and amenities are owned by the condo corporation. Purchasing a freehold townhouse means you own both the house and the land it occupies, granting a greater sense of autonomy and ownership.

This distinctive characteristic sets it apart from condo townhouses, where you only own the unit, leaving the exterior and shared amenities in the hands of the condo corporation. However, before you dive into the housing market trends and mortgage rates associated with freehold townhouses, it's essential to weigh other factors and decide if this property type aligns with your goals and circumstances.

Navigating the Townhouse Terrain: Key Considerations for Buyers

Residents regularly pay maintenance fees to homeowners' associations (HOAs). The fees vary based on the property type and the services offered, typically between $200 and $300. These fees cover essential maintenance tasks, from winter snow clearing to roof repairs. Besides handling these fees, HOAs set the communal living standards for residents.

Townhouses, mainly found in urban centers or crowded suburbs, offer an affordable housing solution for those wanting proximity to work and city amenities, appealing to a wide demographic.

As the appeal for townhouses grows, so does their price tag. For context, the average selling price of a freehold townhouse witnessed a 3.6% spike over the past year, settling at around $1.02M.

It's worth noting that while both freehold townhouses and condos offer urban living solutions, their initial investment costs vary considerably. Given their soaring demand, freehold townhouses generally have a heftier price point. To put numbers into perspective, in September 2023, a freehold townhouse in the Greater Toronto area averaged $1,317,664, whereas its condo counterpart stood at $908,707.

The pros of a freehold townhouse

It’s more affordable than a detached home

Looking into purchasing a freehold townhouse over a detached house will come at a more affordable cost while still getting similar advantages to a detached house. These advantages include having things like a backyard, lawn space, and a multi-level dwelling. And with a lower total price tag, you could be able to put down a larger down payment, have smaller monthly mortgage payments, and potentially forgo getting mortgage insurance if you’re able to put down 20%. 

The maintenance is in your hands 

For many aspiring homeowners, making your house feel like a home is a top priority. That’s why having ownership over your property aesthetic is very appealing for many buyers. With a freehold townhouse, maintenance is all up to you. This means you have full control over your exterior appearance, your backyard, and any design elements you want to incorporate into your home. 

You’ll get a higher property value over time

Freehold townhouses tend to be in higher demand than condo townhouses due to the added appeal of no maintenance fees. Because of this, owning one will, over time, increase your property’s value. So whether your townhouse is a stepping stone or a forever home, it’s an investment that has a promising return based on existing demand. 

The cons of a freehold townhouse

You might have noisy neighbours 

Freehold townhouses are also known as row houses, which means you’re side-by-side in a connecting row with your neighbours. This means–if your home isn’t located at the end of the row–you’ll be sharing two connecting walls with different neighbours, which ultimately means you’ll also potentially be sharing the noise levels that come with your neighbours. In addition to noise, you also won’t have the full privacy as you would in a fully detached home. In order to minimize any surprises, it might be a good idea to try and meet the neighbours before putting in an offer. This gives you the chance to understand what their lifestyle is like and what you might be able to expect from a noise perspective. 

You’ll have more maintenance responsibility 

While it’s nice to have ownership of the exterior appearance of your house, this also comes with the responsibility of regular upkeep of your property. Additionally, because you share your yard space with neighbours on each side, you don’t have control over what your neighbour decides to do with their yard or how they choose to keep their home. Let’s say you like to keep your grass freshly cut but your neighbour only wants to cut theirs every few months–unfortunately there isn’t any way to stop that from happening.  Situations like this can create a bit of a mismatch for your curb appeal and could result in some difficulties down the line when you plan on selling.

The high demand means higher prices

Freehold townhouses are becoming more in demand as many homeowners aspire to transition into a single-family home. And while a freehold might be more affordable than a detached, the demand for these houses could send prices higher than expected or have you caught in a bidding war. In scenarios like this, you might end up stretching your budget thin or end up with less options than you were hoping for. 

Picking the right house comes down to you

Your choice of home ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and lifestyle requirements, all of which contribute to your overall cost of living. A freehold townhouse could be the ideal stepping stone into the realm of single-family homeownership, especially if you're looking to invest in the real estate market for the first time. However, ensuring that it aligns with your specific needs is crucial. Creating a list of your top must-haves, such as home maintenance standards and community amenities, can assist in determining whether a freehold townhouse fits your criteria.

Once you've pinpointed your potential dream home or if you have questions regarding mortgage rates, property taxes, or other aspects of homeownership, our team at Pine is here to help. Our expert mortgage agents are ready to kickstart your real estate investment journey, providing guidance and answering all your queries to streamline the process.

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Understanding the Financial Aspects: Property Taxes, Maintenance, and Mortgage Rates

Embarking on your homeownership journey with a freehold townhouse brings with it a unique set of financial considerations. The cost of living in such a property isn't merely the purchase price; it also encompasses ongoing costs like property taxes, maintenance expenses, and mortgage rates.

Property taxes are a significant factor to consider. As the owner of a freehold townhouse, you're responsible for these taxes, which can vary widely based on your location. Make sure to factor these into your budget to avoid any unwelcome surprises down the line.

Maintenance is another essential cost consideration. Unlike condos where a fee typically covers maintenance and repairs, a freehold townhouse places this responsibility squarely on your shoulders. This means setting aside funds for home maintenance tasks, ranging from regular lawn care to unexpected repairs, is crucial. It also includes the cost of enhancing community amenities in your yard, such as installing a deck or a garden, to increase your home's curb appeal.

Finally, understanding mortgage rates and how they fit into your budget is crucial for a smooth real estate investment experience. As mortgage rates can fluctuate, understanding the potential implications on your monthly payments is key to managing your finances effectively. Working with a knowledgeable mortgage agent can provide valuable insights into locking in the best rates and making informed decisions about your mortgage.

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Embracing Your Neighbourhood: The Value of Community Amenities

The allure of freehold townhouse homeownership extends beyond the confines of your property lines. The wider neighbourhood and its community amenities contribute significantly to the overall quality of life and can play a vital role in your real estate investment decisions.

Freehold townhouses are often nestled in vibrant communities that boast a variety of amenities. From parks and recreational facilities to shopping centers, schools, and healthcare institutions, these features enrich the living experience and impact the cost of living.

Consider, for example, the convenience of having a well-maintained park nearby where children can play or where you can enjoy peaceful walks. Proximity to quality schools can be a major selling point for families, while easy access to shopping centers can save time and fuel costs.

Furthermore, well-appointed community amenities can increase the appeal of your property should you decide to sell in the future. This could lead to a higher property value, thereby maximizing your real estate investment. However, bear in mind that more desirable neighbourhoods often carry higher property taxes, which is another factor to consider in your budget.

The physical upkeep of your freehold townhouse and home maintenance requirements can also be influenced by the amenities in your neighbourhood. For instance, living in a neighbourhood with a homeowners association could mean adhering to certain aesthetic standards, thus influencing your home maintenance practices.

In essence, the 'community amenities' are more than just a keyword; they form an integral part of the homeownership experience. By thoroughly assessing these elements, you can ensure that your choice of a freehold townhouse aligns not only with your lifestyle preferences but also with your financial and real estate investment goals.

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Examining the Investment Landscape: The Long-term Benefits and Market Trends of Freehold Townhouse Ownership

Owning a freehold townhouse is more than just stepping into homeownership; it's also a significant real estate investment that can deliver substantial long-term benefits. However, to truly reap the rewards of this investment, it's vital to understand the market trends and the factors that influence the value of your property over time.

Firstly, home maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing your property's value. A well-maintained home not only provides a better living experience but also boosts curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell in the future. This, coupled with any improvements to community amenities, can positively impact your property's value.

Moreover, property taxes, while a recurring cost, can also be seen as an investment into your community. These funds contribute to public services and infrastructure, thus improving the neighbourhood's appeal and potentially boosting the value of your home.

The cost of living in your chosen neighbourhood can impact the profitability of your real estate investment as well. Areas with a higher cost of living often see stronger property value growth, offering greater potential for return on investment. However, these areas may also carry higher property taxes, which should be factored into your budget.

The broader market trends in homeownership can also influence the long-term benefits of your investment. For instance, if there's a growing demand for freehold townhouses in your area, this could lead to price appreciation over time, creating equity and wealth.

It all comes down to your preferences when choosing the type of home you want to live in. A freehold townhouse could be a great option for purchasing your first single-family home, but it needs to be right for you. Make a list of your top must-haves to help you narrow down whether it may be a good fit. And once you’ve found your potential dream home or have questions about your mortgage options, one of Pine’s mortgage agents would be happy to speak with you to help kickstart your home ownership journey.