What is a townhouse?

What is a townhouse?

A townhouse is an attached home that typically has its own ground-level entrance and shares one or more side walls with neighbouring homes. Most townhouses have two or more storeys, giving residents a layout that feels more like a detached home than an apartment.

In Alberta, a townhouse may be individually owned or part of a condominium corporation, depending on how the property is structured.
 

Townhouse vs. condo unit

A townhouse is usually a multi-level attached home with its own ground-level entrance, while a condo unit is more often an apartment-style home within a larger building.
 

Townhouse vs. apartment

The biggest difference is usually the layout and access. A townhouse commonly has multiple storeys and its own exterior entrance, while an apartment is more often located on a single floor within a larger building and reached through shared hallways.

Townhouses may also offer more private outdoor space than apartments, although the exact layout depends on the property.
 

Freehold townhouse vs. condominium townhouse

A freehold townhouse is generally owned much like a detached home: the owner is responsible for the building and the land associated with it. A condominium townhouse is part of a condominium corporation, so some property and expenses are shared.
 

End-unit townhouses

An end-unit townhouse sits at the end of a row and shares a wall with only one neighbouring home. Because one side is exposed, an end unit may have additional windows or slightly more outdoor space than an interior unit.
 

Townhouse vs. duplex

A townhouse is typically one of several attached homes built in a row, while a duplex contains two separate homes within one building. Both may have private entrances and multiple levels, but the number of attached units is different.
 

What are townhouse condo fees?

Owners in a condominium townhouse community typically pay monthly condominium fees. Those fees contribute to shared expenses identified in the corporation’s budget. Depending on the community, they may help pay for things like landscaping, snow removal, maintenance of common elements, insurance for common property, or contributions to the reserve fund.

Buyers should review what the fees cover rather than comparing communities based on the monthly amount alone.
 

Pros and cons of townhouse living

Depending on what you’re looking for in a home, townhouse living can come with both benefits and potential trade-offs.

Pros may include:

• More space than many apartments: Multi-level layouts can create clearer separation between living and sleeping areas.
   
• Private access: Residents usually enter directly rather than through a shared hallway.
   
• Outdoor space: Some townhouses include a patio, yard, or other private-use outdoor area.
   
• Less exterior work in some communities: Condominium townhouse owners may have some exterior maintenance handled by the condominium corporation.

Cons may include:

• Condominium fees: In condo townhouse communities, monthly fees help cover shared expenses and services, so buyers should understand what is included.
   
• Community rules: Bylaws can help keep the property consistent and well-maintained, but they may limit certain exterior changes or uses.
   
• Multiple levels: Stairs can be a benefit for separating living and sleeping spaces, but they may not suit every household.

Who maintains a townhouse?

The answer depends on how the property is owned. With a freehold townhouse, the homeowner is generally responsible for their own property.

For a condominium townhouse, responsibility is divided between the owner and the condominium corporation according to the condominium plan, bylaws, and other governing documents. That may mean the corporation takes care of certain exterior or shared areas while owners handle their individual units.
 

What should you review before buying a townhouse?

Before buying a townhouse, look beyond the layout and finishes to understand the condition of the property, what you will be responsible for, and what ongoing costs to expect.

Consider reviewing:

• The home’s condition: Look at the roof, exterior, windows, foundation, heating system, and other major components so you understand what may need attention.
   
• Parking and outdoor space: Confirm what comes with the property and whether areas such as driveways, patios, or yards are private, shared, or subject to restrictions.
   
• Maintenance responsibilities: Find out which parts of the property you will be expected to maintain yourself.
   
• Condominium fees: If the townhouse is part of a condominium corporation, review the monthly fees and what they cover, along with any available estoppel certificate for information about the unit’s account and the condominium corporation.
   
• Bylaws and rules: Condominium townhouses may have rules affecting renovations, pets, parking, or use of outdoor areas.
   
• Reserve fund information: Review how the condominium corporation is planning for major repairs and replacements.
   
• Recent meeting minutes: These can help you spot upcoming projects or recurring concerns within the community.

Reviewing these details can give you a much clearer picture of the responsibilities and costs that come with the townhouse you are considering.
 

About townhouse management

Townhouse management depends largely on how the community is structured and which responsibilities belong to the condominium corporation. In a condominium townhouse community, management often involves coordinating care for shared property while helping the board keep recurring responsibilities organized.

Because townhouses can include both shared and individually maintained areas, a clear understanding of who is responsible for what is especially important. FirstService Residential works with Alberta townhouse communities to help boards keep those responsibilities clear and manageable.
 

About FirstService Residential

As Alberta’s leading property management company, FirstService Residential supports boards and owners with local expertise and national resources. Our teams help boards and owners stay organized with governance support, recordkeeping systems, financial management, maintenance planning, vendor coordination, resident communication, and 24/7 customer care. To learn more about how we can support your community, contact FirstService Residential today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.