Advantages of Townhouse Living in Metro Manila

                                                                                                                  As of this year, around 14,158,573 people live in Metro Manila. Being the center of the country’s commerce and trade, there’s no wonder people continue to flock here. Because of the continuous influx of people from other cities and provinces, Metro Manila is now one of the world’s most densely populated cities, with over 40,000 people per square kilometer.                                                                                                             Because of the apparent lack of space and land area, people in the metro are forced to live in smaller homes. The working class, students, and those engaged in businesses often live in areas near their workplace, school, or official place of business. Since everything for them is fast-paced, their dwelling place almost only serves as a place to store their things and sleep through the night. This is precisely one of the reasons why condo-living became immensely popular.                                                                                                                                                                    While there’s nothing inherently wrong and bad about condo-living, it would have been better if this ‘overly busy’ group can also detach from the hustle and bustle of metro living as soon as they step into their comfort zones — their homes. It would be more beneficial for them if their home is not a constant reminder ‘to always hurry.’ This is where townhouses can add value. 

Why go for a townhouse?

                                                                                                                    A townhouse is a middle ground between a proper single-detached house and a condominium. Most subdivisions and typical homes in the metro are usually located far from the city center and require commuting for long hours. Condominiums may be found in city centers and business districts, but they lack the ‘homey’ feel and vibe of a traditional home.                                                                                                                           On the other hand, townhouses strike a balance between the ‘homey’ vibe of subdivision homes and the convenience of condo living. These townhouses are usually located in neighborhoods near city centers and business districts. But unlike condominium units, townhouses typically come with more spacious courtyards. When you purchase a unit, the land where your house is erected is also yours — something condos couldn’t always provide.                                                                                                                                                                                                                For these simple reasons, it’s enough to assert that living in a townhouse in the metro is the way to go. However, if you’re still unconvinced, check these other reasons why it’s more advantageous to invest in a townhouse in Metro Manila. 

What are the advantages of living in a townhouse?

There are plenty of advantages when you choose to live in a townhouse in the metro. One of which is enjoying value for your money. Compared to other housing options, a townhouse is more affordable. You get to enjoy a traditional home with a detached house with a front lawn or backyard but at a lower price than those you see in subdivisions. They also offer more space than an apartment, making them spacious yet compact. And since they are often built on equally compact lots, you can also maximize your property space. 

Low maintenance

While townhouses have a courtyard, it’s not as big and as high-maintenance as a detached house with a backyard. With this, you won’t be wasting much of your time tending to your lawn. Most townhouse communities also take care of things like outdoor landscaping. This means you don’t have to spend more time and exert more effort to beautify the property facade because the homeowners’ association or developer will take care of it. When the weeds start to grow, you don’t have to go out and take care of them as they are also taken care of.                                                                                                                              Some single-detached houses come with pools, but the owners have to clean and maintain them by themselves. If you live in a townhouse, you can simply pass on this problem. Most townhomes have a community pool that the homeowner’s association maintains. You can swim in the pool anytime you like, and you don’t have to break a sweat to keep it clean. When you choose to live in a townhome, you can enjoy all the functionalities and amenities without maintaining them.                                                                                                                                                And to top it all, since your home comes with a dedicated courtyard, you have a place where you can raise your pets or hold parties for your family and friends. You also don’t have to pay hefty maintenance fees, unlike living in condominiums. 

Impressive communal amenities 

The pool is not the only amenity you can enjoy if you choose to live in a townhouse. In fact, one of the most prominent and beneficial reasons why many people opt for townhouse living is the plethora of amenities they can access. Besides the enormous pools, most townhomes also have courts, gyms, and other resort-like recreational facilities you can’t say no to. You don’t have to travel out of town to go to the beach because all the amenities you can find in a resort are nearby.                                                                                                                                                                  If you want to sweat it out, you don’t have to pay for a gym membership to access different fitness equipment as it’s available in your neighborhood clubhouse. If you feel like walking your pet, you can even bring them to the dog park. Other amenities include barbecue pits, car washing areas, tennis courts, clubhouses, and playgrounds. 

Cost-effective 

Some people believe that investing in a townhouse doesn’t offer excellent value for their money. However, the truth is it’s more affordable compared to a single-detached home and has more added value than condominium units. Why? Simply because you won’t have to pay more in property taxes. Since townhouses are usually built in smaller lots, you also pay lesser property taxes than standalone homes. The association fees are also lower compared to condominium units.                                                                                                                                                              Purchasing a townhouse is also similar to buying a standalone home — you can pay it in cash or have it financed. Either way, you still end up owning the land where your house is built. When you intend to sell it, the process is also very similar to selling a conventional home — you can sell it by yourself or with the help of a realtor. 

Heightened security 

Another prominent feature of a townhome is the added security it offers to its residents. Most standalone homes only rely on their respective gates and fences. This is not the case with townhouses because most of them belong in gated communities wherein you have to pass through the main entrance before reaching any of the townhouse units. The main entry point is usually manned by a security guard paid by the homeowner’s association.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Although not all townhouse communities have a broad and continuous fence that separates the whole village from non-residents, most of them have this feature. And aside from that, the streets and pathways are also mostly well-lit, so walking alone at night or wee hours in the morning is still safe. Some high-end townhouse communities even have CCTV cameras installed in key areas of the village to ensure everyone’s safety. Others also have dedicated roving guards to ensure the homeowner’s well-being. 

Quiet and relaxing neighborhood 

What’s even more alluring and inviting about townhouse communities is the fact that they have specific rules to keep the neighborhood quiet, peaceful, and conducive for living. This means that there is a very minimal chance that you encounter neighbors shouting or playing loud music.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  You won’t also have to deal with neighbors that sing karaoke from morning till the dawn of the following day. You can enjoy your privacy as houses are not built very close to each other. And even in townhouses that appear like row houses, there is still enough privacy between neighbors with double walls made of tough materials.                                                                                                                                                  With the homey vibe, you can always relax after a long day of hard work. You can also ensure that people will be minding their own business than prying on their neighbor’s affairs. If you want to mingle and forge camaraderie with your neighborhoods, you can also do so. Again, there’s a good balance between feelings of community and the need for privacy. 

Keeps work and family life balanced

The thing with condominium units is they are less ideal when you’re raising kids. Especially when you live on the building’s upper floor, there is a very high risk of children’s accidents. You can’t leave your kids to play by themselves when you’re busy because who knows what might happen to them when they play by the stairs, go up and down the elevator, or run around the building.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Standalone homes are ideal for big families with young kids because of the safety and conduciveness of family living. However, most of these conventional homes are usually far from the business and school districts. As such, working parents and their kids have to choose between commuting yet enjoying a homey environment when they get home and living in condos and apartments with a less home-like and snug vibe.                                                                                                                          When you invest in a townhouse, you don’t have to spend long hours commuting to work or school because most of them are located in prime areas where everything is accessible. Plus, they have the feel, look, and congenial feel of a conventional home. You don’t have to choose or compromise on your comforts. 

Takeaway

                                                                                                                      If you’re looking to buy or rent a property in Metro Manila, you need to get real with your needs and specifications. When you want a place of your own where you can relax, drift away, and recharge after a long day at work, go for homes with a comfy and relaxed feel. The least you need as you destress at night is a reminder that you have to hurry and get things done at work in the morning. With townhouses, you get a cozy home with conveniences and access of condos and apartments located in the business districts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you need more help and guidance in purchasing your new townhome, we at ZipMatch are more than ready to lend a helping hand. Speak with us today.