Achieving lifestyle and homeownership goals with a townhome.
April 2023 in Design Inspiration
Owning our own traditional freestanding house has changed in recent years and an increasing number of us are looking for a housing alternative that better suits our lifestyle. One such solution is townhome living which can achieve lifestyle and homeownership goals.
So, what is a townhome?
A townhome is generally a multi-floor house that shares at least one wall with a neighbouring property. They also come with a front and back garden and garage.
The popularity of townhome living has soared in recent years and it’s not hard to see why. Townhomes are an attractive and affordable way to get into the housing market as they’re usually more affordable than detached houses, but bigger than most apartments. They’re also an appealing option for people who want to live in a close-knit community setting without being in a busy metro area and serve as a nice middle ground between urban and suburban living.
Is a Townhome right for you?
If you’re thinking about buying a townhome, whether it’s to downsize or to get into the property market, here’s our checklist of key things you might want to consider.
Value for Money
There are many advantages to owning a townhouse, not least of which is that they represent excellent value for money.
Typically sitting on smaller lots and with less outside space than a traditional detached home, townhomes offer great value. By maximising the built form across a smaller parcel of land, purchasers can obtain the same living area as a much larger block by building a townhome, allowing growing families to thrive in communities. In addition, first-home buyers purchasing a home valued at $600,000 or less could be eligible for a full exemption from paying staying duty or if a first-home buyer is purchasing a home valued between $600,001 and $750,000, they could receive a concessional rate for more information and eligibility criteria please refer to the SRO website - https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/fhbduty)
If you’re a first-home buyer purchasing a home valued at $600,000 or less, you could qualify for a full exemption from paying stamp duty. If you’re a first-home buyer purchasing a home valued between $600,001 and $750,000, you could receive a concessional rate.
The option to purchase a full turnkey house and land package solution at a fixed price up front can also give peace of mind to home buyers looking to structure their savings plans and budgets. Even better, many builders now offer a high level of specification as well as structural guarantees and warranties for a certain period.
Space
While they may sit on smaller parcels of land, townhomes generally don't compromise on space or architectural design. Typically townhomes have two levels, sometimes three, which means there’s more room to spread out. Clever and innovative designs generally offer between 2 to 4 bedrooms, multiple living areas, open plan layouts and clever storage spaces, making them ideal for first home buyers and those with young families. Designs with at least one bedroom and bathroom located downstairs are also great for families looking for multi-generational living options.
Outside, townhomes offer the best of both worlds. Smaller front yard and courtyard areas mean low-maintenance living, however the inclusion of an alfresco area makes outdoor dining and entertaining possible when family and friends come to visit. Innovative gardening solutions such as vertical gardens, raised portable vegepods, hanging and potted plants will satisfy any green thumb.
Access to amenities
Another important feature to consider when contemplating buying a townhome is amenity.
Increasingly, many townhouses are being built in residential land developments that are conveniently located close to bustling communities, shops and accessible forms of public transport.
At Westbrook for example, the estate will ultimately include over 50 hectares of parkland and open space and 28km of shared paths and walking trails. Currently, there is a host of established playground and Alcock Road Reserve offers sports and recreational facilities. The estate is also ideally located within walking distance of established childcare facilities and schools including the soon-to-be-opened Truganina North Secondary College (interim name), and Tarneit Train Station, not to mention Tarneit Central Shopping Centre just down the road – all of which add to the appeal of a townhome at Westbrook for purchasers who value convenience and amenities.
Community
Last, but by no means least, because a townhome is in close proximity to neighbours, living in one also provides the perfect environment in which to meet new friends, foster a sense of belonging and is a great way to feel part of a thriving community.
Ready to start your townhome journey?
Townhomes in residential developments like Westbrook are experiencing a lot of growth and for good reason. They provide value-for-money, low-maintenance, ample amenities, a sense of community and a range of modern design and inclusions, making them a great choice for first home buyers, downsizers, and investors alike.
To view the latest townhome releases at Westbrook, click here.