Factors to Consider When Buying a Townhouse

A townhouse is among the best investments for young property seekers and newly-wed couples who are looking for an affordable house with enough space to start a hobby or raise a family. Townhouses are also ideal for property seekers on a tight budget looking for a house near prime locations, especially in highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila. Townhouses are multi-floored house units that share walls with each other, making them suitable for areas packed with establishments. One example is 8 Alabama in Quezon City. 8 Alabama is a townhouse situated near E. Rodriguez Avenue, a major thoroughfare that houses various commercial establishments and office buildings. Since a townhouse occupies fewer residential lots, it was possible for 8 Alabama to be built near this predominantly commercial area. 

Advantages of Living in a Townhouse

If you plan to buy a townhouse, here are some of its benefits:

• Lower purchase price - Townhouses occupy less space and share both walls with the adjacent properties, making their market value lower than semi-detached and single-detached houses. 
• Easier to maintain - With a townhouse, you do not need to spend much on maintaining the exterior part of the house. You can focus on maintaining the interiors and upgrading home features, making it hassle-free and more cost-efficient. 
• Provides community feel - If you like having neighbors you can invite to your home for lunch or dinner, a townhouse is an ideal option for you. 

Disadvantages of Living in a Townhouse

Townhouses also have disadvantages that you should know so you can make an informed decision. Here are some of the drawbacks of living in a townhouse:

• Less space - Townhouses have little to no outdoor space where you can create a garden or do barbeque parties. If you want to live in a townhouse, you should be aware of that aspect.
• Less privacy - Since townhouse units are attached to each other, you will often bump into your neighbors when going in and out of your home. Having shared walls also increases the chances of hearing the noise from the adjacent house. 

What Factors to Consider When Buying a Townhouse

If the advantages outweigh the drawbacks based on your priorities and you are willing to invest in a townhouse, here are some factors you should look for:

• Firewall - When sharing walls with other houses, one of the most important elements is the firewall. A firewall prevents the fire from penetrating your home in case a fire starts in the adjacent property. 
• Garage - If you plan to buy a car, make sure that the townhouse you plan to buy has a garage to prevent issues in the future. Renting a parking space can be quite costly. It is more practical in the long run to pay a slightly higher purchase price for a townhouse with a garage than renting a parking space. 
• Balcony - Having an outdoor space where you can unwind is essential, especially if you are working from home. If you want outdoor space, look for townhouses with balconies so you can still do some outdoor activities.