If you’re in the market for a new home and are thinking of buying from a builder, you may have noticed a wide variety of housing options available throughout the Triangle. Depending upon the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, different styles of homes and their locations can offer unique advantages. Often, the right choice comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and goals. If you’re trying to figure out what’s right for you, it helps to understand the difference between a townhome vs single-family new construction, which can help you make an informed decision.

Here’s what you should understand as you weigh the differences and what’s right for you.

Townhomes have become increasingly popular in growing communities like the Triangle, and for good reason. These single-family residences feature at least two stories, and they share walls with other homes.

A townhome provides buyers with efficiency on many levels. In the Raleigh-Durham area, where land is in short supply within the region’s main cities, townhomes maximize square footage without the large footprint of a detached home. This also makes them a more affordable option compared to a traditional single-family home. For this reason, they tend to be popular for first-time buyers.

One of the major features buyers love is that townhomes offer low- or no-maintenance living. Many townhome communities provide lawn care and exterior maintenance through a Homeowners Association, which collects funds from homeowners and manages the community’s common spaces. This type of lifestyle allows you to save time and effort, resulting in more free time when you need it most.

Often, townhomes are built in walkable neighborhoods with nearby amenities, such as pools, parks, or clubhouses, which encourages a strong sense of community. They are a great choice for buyers who want convenience and affordability.

Single-family homes remain the gold standard for many buyers seeking privacy and long-term investment. These stand-alone homes have no shared properties and are built on a parcel of land that must be maintained by the homeowner.

Single-family homes typically come with larger floor plans and private yards, which makes them a great option for families and pets. Throughout the Triangle, there are numerous options for single-family homes — from traditional homes in suburban cities to more compact homes within the Triangle’s major cities to luxury homes built on sprawling estates. These homes are also more common to find; more than 60 percent of occupied homes in the United States are single-family styles.

These homes come with numerous benefits as well. Those who prioritize space, privacy, and flexibility for customization. With a single-family home, you’ll have plenty of space for entertaining. You may still have a Homeowners Association to tend to common spaces. But if you enjoy tending to your lawn, a single-family home may be the way to go. It’s a great option if you want a home that gives you space to grow and

Single-family homes are often found in neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and with neighbors a little further away. Some neighborhoods are built with amenities nearby and planned communities with those amenities built in may offer a clubhouse with parks and green spaces as well.

As you weigh townhome vs single-family new construction in the Triangle, there are a few places you can start. It’s always a good idea to start with your budget and get pre-approved to better understand what your options may be. Local mortgage lenders like TowneBank Mortgage of the Carolinas or North State Bank have insight into the Triangle market and can help you determine the right option for your needs. Be thinking about what you can afford now and what you are willing to spend over time.

You should also consider things like location and lifestyle. Think about whether you want low-maintenance living or having a backyard with a lawn to tend. It’s also important to think about whether you want a more suburban lifestyle or if a townhome closer to one of the Triangle-area cities is more your style.

Finally, think about your future while you’re planning. It can help to think about how long you want to stay in a new home and whether you need room to grow. Be sure to talk to a real estate agent about your wish list to prioritize what you’re looking for in a home.

The process of townhome vs single-family new construction isn’t much different from each other, but it helps to understand how to go through the process. First of all, make sure you get an agent who understands new construction. These agents understand the details that go into purchasing brand-new homes and are there to advocate for you through every step.

In addition, there are several options you can choose from, regardless of whether you choose to purchase a townhouse or a single-family home. Purchasing a pre-sale, regardless of the home style, allows for more customization of a home. However, you can also purchase standing inventory, which allows for faster move-in.

With new communities now available throughout the Triangle, there are options for every taste and budget, no matter the style of home you ultimately choose.

Both townhomes and single-family homes offer exciting possibilities. Also, neither option is a “better” across the board. The choice simply comes down to what fits your lifestyle and needs. If you want affordability and low upkeep, a townhome might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of space, privacy, and long-term growth, a single-family home may be worth the investment.

However, no matter your choice, new construction offers a fresh home with modern layouts and the latest in energy efficiency.