The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census shows a steady increase in the occupation of Apartments, Townhouses and Duplexes. Townhouses are either large complexes (4 to 200 units) with great facilities like pools, BBQ’s, Gyms etc, or smaller boutique style complexes
The larger complexes are generally further out in newer developing areas. The smaller more boutique style buildings are often located in infill lots closer to the city centre. Typically, a townhouse will be in a Strata Title where the land and common property (landscaped area, public corridors, building structure, etc.) is owned by a Body corporate comprised of the individual owners and managed by appointed body corporate managers. Townhouses differ from a gated community (although they may appear to be the same) as within a gated community there will still be a Body Corporate but the houses on the property are generally separate buildings and owned by the individual owners.
A duplex is a residential building containing two homes that share a common central wall and may or may not be in a complex. As such they are usually a mirror image of each other in layout. It is commonly referred to as a maisonette in South Australia. Sometimes the pair of homes in the duplex will be owned and sold together if they exist on one land title. Sometimes separate titles exist so a duplex pair can be individually owned and sold. Owners with duplexes that are not in a complex can do without a body corporate but must agree to a building insurance policy that covers both sides of a duplex.
Some particulars about townhouses and duplexes are:
Townhouses are the modern equivalent to the terrace houses that our cities began with but are distinct from current Terrace houses which are constructed in a similar manner to townhouses but do not have the expense of body corporate fees..
Generally townhouses are located in infill areas, so the infrastructure is already established which means people don’t have to wait for it to arrive.
They are a happy medium in busy lives. They usually have small backyard areas for children and pets (if permitted) and offer low maintenance so tenants don’t need to spend hours maintaining them.
Some complexes come with shared facilities such as pool, BBQ, gardens etc. and are build as a gated community.
People, especially single women like the safety aspect of a gated community.
They are becoming more popular with everyone so provides a regular supply of people to purchase and rent.
Young families like it as a great option for people who can’t afford a house or who choose to be closer to the city, work or lifestyle. The body corporate cost can easily be covered by savings on maintenance, individual insurance costs and travel costs to work.
Empty nester and downsizers like them because they still have room in their yard for pets and for grandkids to play. Low maintenance but they can still potter in the garden if they choose to.
Land content is usually lower than land value in a house so less rates to be paid.
Strata is responsible for the insurance and maintenance of the building and common property.
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