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lisa Newman recently purchased a townhouse in Delaware, opting for the lower maintenance and affordability it offered compared to single-family homes. The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home cost $620,000, significantly less than similar single-family homes in the area. Newman was able to customize her new home with features like wood floors throughout and a luxury primary bath.

    Newman's decision reflects a growing trend towards townhouses as a more affordable entry point to homeownership. With interest rates currently low, buying a townhouse can save buyers around $185 per month compared to a single-family home. In some areas, such as Raleigh, NC, townhomes are selling for over 50% less than single-family homes.

    Developers are taking notice of the trend, with year-to-date starts of 2- to 4-bedroom-unit projects (typically townhomes) up 31.5% across the country compared to a 10.1% increase in single-family starts. Realtor.com economist Joel Berner notes that townhouses offer a more affordable option for buyers who want to own a piece of property without breaking the bank.

    While concerns about noise and shared walls remain, many experts believe that townhouses can offer a better quality of life than single-family homes. KB Home sales counselor Marianna Herman notes that construction improvements have made it possible to block out noise and create quiet living spaces in townhomes.

    Architect James Schaefer argues that townhomes combine the best of both worlds: community and proximity to neighbors, along with the benefits of a single-family home like a garage and yard. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues like shared roofs and exterior walls, as well as homeowners association fees.

    While some experts predict that townhouses may become more popular in the future, author Lawrence R. Samuel notes that the single-family house remains deeply ingrained in American culture. He believes that the image of a suburban home with a white picket fence is unlikely to be replaced anytime soon.