Townhouse vs apartment: which suits you?
Townhouses and apartments both give you a newer home in an established area for less than a freestanding house. The differences come down to space, privacy and ongoing costs.
| Townhouse | Apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Usually two or three levels | Usually one level |
| Entrance | Your own front door, at street or driveway level | Through a shared lobby and corridors |
| Neighbours | Beside you, through shared walls | Beside, above and below |
| Outdoor space | Often a courtyard or small garden | Usually a balcony |
| Parking | Often a garage or carport at your door | Usually a basement car space |
| Shared facilities | Few — a driveway, bins, landscaping | Can include lifts, pools and gyms |
| Price | Usually higher in the same suburb | Usually lower in the same suburb |
Space and privacy
A townhouse usually gives you more floor space, spread over several levels, with bedrooms separated from living areas. You only share walls to the side, so there’s no one walking above you. Apartments keep everything on one level, which is easier if stairs are a concern.
Ongoing costs
Both are usually strata or community titled, so you’ll pay levies. Townhouse complexes tend to have fewer shared facilities than apartment buildings — no lifts, pools or gyms — so their fees are often lower. Smaller complexes can also mean a smaller fund for big repairs, so check the budget either way. See our guide to body corporate fees.
Land and value
A townhouse usually comes with a bigger share of land than an apartment in the same suburb, which is one reason many buyers see it as the middle ground between an apartment and a house. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, so look at recent sales of comparable homes in the suburb you’re considering.
Which suits you
- Choose a townhouse if you want more space, your own entrance, a courtyard for kids or pets, and parking at your door.
- Choose an apartment if you want single-level living, a lift, a lower entry price or on-site facilities.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Get advice that suits your situation before you buy.