Should You Purchase a Townhouse or Row Home?

Typical Features of Row Homes

Row homes often feature an iconic, uniform design, and a shared roofline. They are typically attached to neighboring houses, and can also be called townhouses. Usually they are about 2-5 stories. They are common in cities like Boston, Baltimore, and New York City.

Perks of a Row Home or Town Home

• Close proximity to urban comforts: Shopping, entertainment, dining, and even schools may all be within walking distance.
  
  
• Historic charm: In the U.S., they are commonly built prior to the 1940s, and many include details like transom windows and fireplaces.
   
• A “community” aspect: living closer to your neighbors can mean more interactions, which can build relationships.  
  
  
• Can be more energy efficient: with shared walls, these homes typically can retain heat better than a stand alone home.

Whether it’s the unmistakable balanced facades, a draw to the historic relevance, or a desire for a walkable lifestyle, row homes remain a popular choice for homebuyers.

Potential Drawbacks of a Row Home or Townhouse

As in-demand as row homes can be, the fact is that they are not for everyone.  

• Can have limited living space.
  
  
• Shared walls can lead to sounds travelling easily.
  
  
• Due to the nature of their design, many only have windows in the front and back, which can limit natural light.
  
  
• May have guidelines for exterior renovations in certain areas.
  
  
• If you have mobility concerns, these homes are often multiple levels.

Before Purchasing a Row House or Townhome

One of the challenges of row homes is their age. Many of them are decades old. If you are interested in a row home, a licensed inspector who has experience with historic buildings can help assess if the building has been properly maintained and help identify any problem areas.

Home Insurance and Replacement Costs for Row Houses

Due to their craftsmanship, the materials and replacements for doors and windows can be tough to source. Reconstruction of these historic homes can be costly.

Cross Private Client Insurance can help you find insurance solutions for your historic or antique home. We work with top insurance carriers to provide insurance options for our clients. Reach out to our team today if you have questions or would like a quote.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.