Dream townhome before buying

Although the new generation is increasingly turning to luxury condominiums near the BTS Skytrain for convenient transportation, when it comes to starting a family, the dream of living under the roof of a spacious home remains a constant. Even though it's not a detached house, townhomes are one of the most desirable housing options. However, when it comes to buying real estate, careful consideration is essential before making a purchase. Here are some key considerations before purchasing your dream townhome:

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1. Townhomes and Townhouses Are Different

Although not clearly defined, townhomes and townhouses differ. Townhomes are townhouse-style housing developments, not detached houses. They are larger than townhouses, with more common areas, amenities, and systems, as well as larger living spaces. Therefore, when considering a townhome purchase, it's important to carefully consider the overall project and determine whether it's suitable for a townhome, not a townhouse. The price tag for owning a townhome is typically significantly higher than for a townhouse.

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2. Will it be used as a residence or office?

Today's townhomes are more than just a place to live. But it's also designed to function as an office, or what we commonly call a home office. If your goal in purchasing a townhome is to develop it into a small workplace with 5-10 employees or to start a family business, you should choose a townhome that meets your work needs from the start. Instead of choosing a design that's more suited to living, considering an office-style home will require time-consuming expansion, which can be difficult and costly to renovate. Purchasing a townhome with a home office function from the start will be much more economical.

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3. Is the frontage of a townhome wide and deep enough?

Since homes may not be near the BTS Skytrain like condos, parking space in front of the house is a crucial consideration. Typically, the frontage is at least 4 meters wide, but it's recommended to have at least 5 meters wide. The wider the frontage, the more parking space you can park. Furthermore, when there are no cars parked, it can be used for other activities. In addition to the width, the depth of the frontage is equally important. A frontage that's too wide can lead to insufficient parking space if it's not deep enough. The law stipulates a minimum depth of 3 meters, but this depth is only suitable for small cars. If your family travels in a pickup truck or large vehicle, you'll need to choose a front yard in a townhome project with a depth of at least 5-5.5 meters.

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4. What are the quality of the construction materials?

Currently, there are many townhome projects, some of which are completed quickly thanks to prefabricated materials. Others are constructed using brick and mortar construction. While prefabricated wall construction is strong, it's important to carefully examine the quality of the materials, as they can vary in quality and potentially cause problems later on. Furthermore, prefabricated homes don't allow for extensive decoration and extensions, and are subject to more limitations than brick and mortar homes. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider what type of home you want to best meet your needs.

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5. Adequate common areas, utilities, and amenities

Since townhomes and townhouses differ in their common areas, careful consideration is required when selecting a townhome. Ask the project about the amenities offered, such as public parks, swimming pools, fitness centers, as well as security, communication, water, electricity, cleaning, and garbage collection systems. All common areas and utilities must be large and adequately sized to accommodate the residents' needs. Consider the common area fees to ensure they are appropriate for the needs of the residents.

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6. Adequate location for lifestyle needs

While it's not necessary to be near the BTS, as most homebuyers primarily travel by private car, this doesn't mean you can choose any townhome you like. Ultimately, if your family's home is far from a hospital, not near an expressway, not on a main road, or far from offices and schools, no matter how large or beautiful the home is, it won't truly meet your needs for a happy life. Furthermore, the community surrounding the home must be well-equipped, with shopping areas and markets providing convenient access to food and supplies.

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Besides aesthetics, number of rooms, and design, choosing a townhome requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it best meets your lifestyle needs. The term "meets your lifestyle" refers to a townhome as a housing type that isn't just about privacy. It's also about family living, from extended families to small businesses. Therefore, the criteria and conditions used in the decision-making process must take into account the community and the people who will be living under the same roof, including children, siblings, spouses, and even employees who may be using the townhome as an office. This is unlike a condominium, which offers greater privacy and prioritizes individual convenience.

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Thank you for the great information from REIC.