Duplex vs Townhouse: Which is the Better Choice for You?

by Kierra Todd

Key takeaways

Duplexes have two separate living units, often appealing to those seeking privacy or rental income.
Townhouses are connected homes within a community, offering shared amenities and lower maintenance responsibilities.
Your decision should be guided by your budget, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to handle upkeep or rental management.

If you’re exploring different types of housing, you might have come across duplexes and townhouses. At first glance, they may seem similar, but there are key differences in structure, ownership, and lifestyle that can impact your decision. Understanding what sets a duplex apart from a townhouse can help you choose the option that fits your needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Whether you’re looking to own a duplex in Portland, OR to build income or interested in simply building equity with a townhouse in Katy, TX, discover what is the right choice for you in this Redfin article.

What is a duplex?

A duplex is a single building divided into two separate living units. Each unit typically has its own entrance, kitchen, and utilities, offering more privacy than other shared living arrangements. Some duplexes are side-by-side, while others have one unit on top of the other.

Because each unit functions independently, duplexes are often appealing to homeowners who want extra space or the potential to earn rental income. Owning a duplex can allow you to live in one unit and rent out the other, helping offset your mortgage costs.

Advantages of a duplex:

Opportunity to earn rental income by leasing one unit while living in the other
Greater privacy compared to apartments or townhouses
Full control over maintenance decisions without HOA restrictions
Potential to qualify for residential financing if you occupy one unit

Challenges of a duplex:

Full responsibility for upkeep on both units
Possible vacancy periods if one unit is rented
Higher upfront costs and more complex property management

What is a townhouse?

A townhouse is part of a row of connected homes that share one or two walls with neighboring units. Each townhouse usually has multiple stories, a private entrance, and sometimes a small yard or patio. Townhouses are often found in planned communities that offer shared amenities like pools, fitness centers, and green spaces.

Unlike an apartment, you typically own both the interior and exterior of a townhouse, including the land it sits on. However, you may pay monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees to cover maintenance of shared areas and community amenities.

Advantages of a townhouse:

Lower maintenance responsibilities due to HOA coverage
Access to community amenities such as fitness centers or green spaces
Predictable upkeep costs through monthly HOA fees
More affordable purchase price compared to detached homes

Challenges of a townhouse:

Less privacy due to shared walls
Monthly HOA fees that can vary by community
Restrictions on exterior changes or landscaping choices

Key differences between a duplex and a townhouse

While both options provide a sense of community and ownership, their main differences lie in ownership, structure, privacy, and maintenance.

1. Ownership and layout

A duplex has two units under one roof, and the owner may own both or just one side. A townhouse is an individual property within a row of homes. With a townhouse, you own your specific unit and in most cases the land beneath it.

2. Privacy

Duplexes tend to offer more privacy since you share fewer walls and may have separate yards or entrances. Townhouses share walls on one or both sides, which can make them slightly less private but often quieter than apartment buildings.

3. Maintenance

If you own a duplex, you are fully responsible for maintaining your unit and possibly the shared exterior. With a townhouse, many exterior tasks like lawn care and roofing are handled by the HOA, depending on your community’s rules.

4. Cost and affordability

Townhouses can be more affordable upfront since they often come in planned developments with smaller lot sizes. Duplexes may have higher closing costs, but if you rent out one unit, the extra income can make it a smart investment.

5. Community and lifestyle

Townhouses often provide a greater sense of community through shared amenities and neighborhood events. Duplexes, on the other hand, offer a more private, residential feel, which appeals to those who prefer a quieter environment.

Which option is right for you?

The right choice depends on your priorities. Both duplexes and townhouses are considered attached single-family homes but appeal to different buyer profiles depending on maintenance preferences and investment goals. If you value privacy, space, and the opportunity to generate rental income, a duplex might be the better fit. If you prefer low-maintenance living and access to community features, a townhouse may suit your lifestyle.

Consider your long-term goals as well. A duplex can serve as an investment property, while a townhouse can offer the benefits of ownership with less upkeep.

FAQ: Duplex vs townhouse

Can I live in one duplex unit and leave the other vacant?

Yes, you can. If the other unit isn’t rented out, it simply remains unused space. Some owners use the second unit for guests, relatives, or a home office. However, if you purchased the duplex expecting rental income, it’s important to plan for periods of vacancy in your budget. You’ll still be responsible for utilities, maintenance, and taxes on both units even if one sits empty.