Townhouse vs. Duplex — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A townhouse is a multi-story home sharing walls with adjacent units but having its own entrance, whereas a duplex is a building with two separate units, often side by side or on separate floors.
Difference Between Townhouse and Duplex
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A townhouse is a multi-story residential unit that shares at least one wall with neighboring townhouses. They are often part of larger developments with uniform architectural designs. In contrast, a duplex comprises two separate housing units, each with its own entrance, within one building.
Townhouses typically offer a more communal living experience, as many townhouses form rows or clusters within planned communities. On the other hand, duplexes can stand independently or be integrated into neighborhoods, providing some separation between the two units.
Townhouses are individually owned and can have shared maintenance fees if they're part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). In contrast, duplexes can be owned by one or two individuals, who might rent out one or both units or live in one while renting out the other.
Architecturally, townhouses often feature multiple stories, maximizing vertical space, whereas duplexes may be horizontally divided into two side-by-side units or vertically split between two floors.
Townhouses typically prioritize shared community amenities, while duplexes prioritize providing independent and flexible living spaces that can be used for family or rental purposes.
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Multi-story, shares walls with other units
Two separate units in one building
Ownership
Typically individually owned
Often owned by one or two owners
HOA
Often part of an HOA
Not typically associated with an HOA
Unit Separation
Individual entrances but attached units
Independent entrances, often side by side
Community Feel
Stronger sense of community due to clustering
More independent, fewer shared amenities
Compare with Definitions
Townhouse
A multi-story home attached to other units in a row.
She moved into a stylish townhouse in the new development.
Duplex
Can be horizontally or vertically divided into two units.
The duplex has two units stacked on top of each other.
Townhouse
A residence in urban areas, offering private living while maximizing space.
Urban townhouses are popular among young professionals.
Duplex
A building split into two separate residences.
He lives in one half of the duplex and rents out the other.
Townhouse
Usually features three or more stories, offering vertical living.
The townhouse's three floors provide ample space for the family.
Duplex
May offer similar layouts and amenities in both units.
The duplex's mirrored layouts ensure each unit feels identical.
Townhouse
Part of a uniform residential complex, often under an HOA.
The HOA maintains the lawns in our townhouse complex.
Duplex
Often provides more private and independent living than other multi-family homes.
The duplex setup is ideal for families seeking privacy.
Townhouse
Can have shared walls but distinct entrances and amenities.
Each townhouse has its own garage and front door.
Duplex
Could be fully owned and rented out or shared between two owners.
The landlord rents out both units in the duplex.
Townhouse
A townhouse, townhome, town house, or town home, is a type of terraced housing. A modern townhouse is often one with a small footprint on multiple floors.
Duplex
Twofold; double.
Townhouse
A row house, especially one designed as a single-family residence.
Duplex
Having two apartments, divisions, or floors.
Townhouse
A residence in a city, especially in contrast to a residence in the country.
Duplex
Relating to or being a single assembly of machinery having two identical units that are capable of operating simultaneously or independently.
Townhouse
A row house or terraced house.
Duplex
(Electronics) Of or relating to a communications mode, as in a telephone system, that provides simultaneous transmission and reception in both directions.
Townhouse
A house in an urban setting.
Duplex
A house divided into two living units or residences, usually having separate entrances.
Townhouse
(dated) A town hall.
Duplex
A duplex apartment.
Townhouse
A building devoted to the public used of a town; a townhall.
Duplex
Something, such as a communications system, that is duplex.
Duplex
Double, made up of two parts.
Duplex
(architecture) Having two floors
Duplex
(architecture) Having two units, divisions, suites, apartments
Duplex
(telecommunications) Bidirectional in two directions.
Duplex telegraphy
Duplex
(soil science) Having horizons with contrasting textures.
Duplex
A house made up of two dwelling units.
Duplex
(US) A dwelling unit with two floors
Duplex
(philately) A cancellation combining a numerical cancellation with a second mark showing time, date, and place of posting.
Duplex
(juggling) A throwing motion where two balls are thrown with one hand at the same time.
Duplex
(biochemistry) A double-stranded polynucleotide.
Duplex
(geology) A system of multiple thrust faults bounded above and below by a roof thrust and floor thrust.
Duplex
To make duplex.
Duplex
To make into a duplex.
Duplex
To make a series of duplex throws.
Duplex
Double; twofold.
Duplex
Organized so that data may be transmitted in two opposite directions over the same channel; - of communications channels, such as data transfer lines between computers.
Duplex
To arrange, as a telegraph line, so that two messages may be transmitted simultaneously; to equip with a duplex telegraphic outfit.
Duplex
Something which is duplex; - used mostly in reference to a living unit, such as an apartment, in a building having two similar living units.
Duplex
A double-stranded region in a nucleic acid molecule. See deoxyribonucleic acid.
Duplex
A house with two units sharing a common wall
Duplex
An apartment having rooms on two floors that are connected by a staircase
Duplex
(used technically of a device or process) having two parts;
A duplex transaction
Duplex
Allowing communication in opposite directions simultaneously;
Duplex system
Duplex telephony
Common Curiosities
Do duplexes have shared walls?
Yes, duplex units share at least one wall with the adjacent unit, or one ceiling/floor if on separate levels.
Do townhouses have multiple floors?
Yes, townhouses usually have multiple floors, typically two or three, and sometimes even more.
Is a duplex considered a multi-family home?
Yes, a duplex is a type of multi-family dwelling since it contains two separate units.
Can you rent out a townhouse?
Yes, townhouses can be rented out, similar to any other residential property, although HOAs may impose restrictions.
Are townhouses good for families?
Yes, the multi-level layout of townhouses often provides ample space suitable for families.
Are townhouses always attached?
Yes, townhouses share walls with neighboring units, although the level of attachment varies.
Do townhouses have private yards?
Yes, townhouses often have small private yards or patios, although these can be limited in space.
Do townhouses have HOAs?
Frequently, yes, townhouses are often part of HOAs, which handle community amenities and maintenance.
Can duplex units be on different floors?
Yes, a duplex may have units on different floors, creating a vertical division.
Can a duplex be converted into a single-family home?
Yes, with proper remodeling and legal permissions, a duplex can be converted.
Is a duplex cheaper than a townhouse?
It depends on location, size, and condition. Duplexes may offer more affordable options due to shared ownership or rental arrangements.
Can I buy only one unit of a duplex?
Yes, if the duplex is legally divided into two separate properties, each unit can be bought or sold independently.
Is a duplex a good investment?
Often, yes, as owners can live in one unit while renting out the other for extra income.
Which is better for privacy, a townhouse or a duplex?
A duplex typically offers more privacy due to fewer shared walls and entrances.
Do townhouses have garages?
Many townhouses come with private garages, either attached or detached.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
