6 styles of houses you need to know before shopping for a home

Last Updated on July 11, 2023

6 Styles of houses you need to know before shopping for a home

Post by RyanSellers.com Real Estate Group

When shopping for a home, it’s essential to know the various styles of houses available in the market. Depending on your needs and wants, you may prioritize a bungalow rather than a single detached. In this blog, we go through the 6 styles of houses you can readily find in the real estate market. Continue reading for a comprehensive definition of each house type commonly found in Alberta. We hope you can use the information to make an informed decision on your next home purchase.

1. Detached House (or Single Family)

The detached house is one of the most common and popular styles of house here in Alberta.

The term “detached” refers to houses that are physically separated from each other.

They are built on segmented lots and have a front and back yard.

Detached houses are generally more expensive compared to other styles because they provide buyers with more square footage.

Things to keep in mind: expect to pay higher property taxes and maintenance costs.

2. Bungalow

Bungalows are one-story detached houses available in Alberta. This type of home is ideal for buyers looking to live somewhere with fewer stairs.

The upper level contains the living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedroom. Bungalows have a basement which owners can renovate for additional living space.

An added bonus of living in a bungalow is the ability to have high vaulted ceilings in the living space without impacting other areas of the home.

3. Split-Level House

Split-level houses are a variation of a bungalow that offers an additional upper level. These houses can be found in older neighborhoods and are typically found in either side split or back split configuration.

4. Semi-Detached (or Duplex)

Semi-detached houses are housing units that contain two units attached to each other on the side. While semi-detached are most common, houses with three (triplex) and four (fourplex) units attached are also available. Each housing unit has separate entrances and may share driveways and yards.

Semi-detached homes offer a great price advantage compared to fully detached homes making them perfect first-time buyers. This type of house is also great for investors looking to reside in one unit and rent the other unit out.

5. Townhouse

Townhouses are a popular type of housing unit in suburban areas and are defined by being connected to two or more smaller housing units. They typically contain a full basement, main living area, and upper level for bedrooms.

There are two types of townhouses. Townhouses with owners owning the house and land are referred to as freehold townhouses. Townhouses in which owners own the house but not the land (the land is owned by a condominium corporation) are referred to as condominium townhouses.

Condominium townhouse tenants are required to pay a monthly maintenance fee to the condominium corporations. Condominium corporations are responsible for managing exterior elements, such as parking spaces, yards, and shared amenities, and are authorized to appoint rules and regulations by which the tenants are required to abide by.

6. Condominiums

Condominiums are perfect for first-time home buyers or real estate investors. They are typically located in buildings with shared spaces such as a front lobby, garage, yard, and other building amenities. The buildings are managed by condominium corporations that are responsible for maintaining the property.