Difference Between Apartment and Townhouse

Apartment vs. Townhouse

Two common places that people call home are apartments and townhouses.  Apartments are owned or rental properties which are within a larger building.  There may be multiple apartments in one apartment building. A townhouse is also an owned or rented property which is considered terraced, or having a terrace.  A townhouse can be freestanding, or attached to another townhouse, however because it can be freestanding they are typically more expensive to live in. If an apartment or a townhouse is rented, there is a monthly fee due to the owner for residing in their property.  If a townhouse or apartment is owned, the property is shared by other owners and tenants. Apartments and townhouses are recognised worldwide, however they are called differently in various countries. In the United Kingdom the term flat is used for apartments and townhouses can sometimes be called country homes.

Apartments are usually single-storied units which come with one to three bedrooms for a single family to live in. Townhouses can be single or double level homes which typically can accommodate only one family. A benefit to living in a townhouse is the possibility of having a personal yard, usually not offered in apartment living.  Living in either an apartment or townhouse, there are certain available amenities to tenants, such as access to pools, spas, or workout rooms.

Apartment buildings date back to Ancient Rome where the wealthy lived on the lavish lower levels and the higher levels were reserved for their servants. The idea of a townhouse developed in England when aristocrats would spend their year in various places across the country. The aristocrat would move about following work or entertainment and would live in a townhouse while away from home.

The appeal to living in townhouses and apartments is great.  For those who reside in apartments and townhouses there is a heightened sense of security because there are so many tenants nearby. If emergency help is needed it is more likely available than in a home. Also, depending on the relationship with the neighbours, it is easier to create a neighbourhood watch program against criminal activity.  Additionally, if a renter has a problem with an appliance breaking or a defect in the home, they are not responsible for fixing it.  It is the responsibility of the owner to maintain the apartment or townhouse.  Drawbacks to apartment and townhouse living is less privacy and the inability to alter the outside of the home.
Apartments and townhouses are very similar, each has appeal to different people.

Summary
1. Apartments and townhouses are living properties which can be owned or rented.  Apartments are attached to other properties for rent and townhouses can be either freestanding or attached to other townhouses.
2. Apartments and townhouses accommodate one family and are either single storied or two storied homes.
3. The benefits of living in a rented apartment or townhouse are the added security, access to amenities, and less maintenance. Drawbacks include less privacy and inability to personalize the outside of the home.

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