A townhouse is a dwelling that seems to combine the best amenities of a single-family home and a true condominium. Many people are a bit confused about exactly what defines a dwelling as a townhouse, and some of the lines are somewhat blurred, but the true explanation of a townhouse is simple: a townhouse is a home that is attached to adjacent houses, which sits upon land that you own.

While condos are sometimes also physically attached to other units, when you buy a condominium, you do not own the land beneath your home, despite the fact that you may be required to contribute to the general upkeep of the common areas.

Townhouses, also sometimes called row houses, can be built as single or multi-storied structures. They can be attached to other houses with one or both sides sharing common walls, depending on whether the unit is in a center or end position. Townhouses can be grouped together as small units, such as duplexes or triplexes, or they can be a part of a huge townhouse complex. If your townhouse is located within one of the larger complexes, you may be required to pay fees for the upkeep of common areas, as well as taking care of your own yard.

Townhouses offer at least a little green space, most often in the form of a small backyard area and landscaped walkup that leads to the front door. Some townhouses are designed to include backyard patios or upstairs balconies to enhance the feeling of open space.

Some advantages to buying a townhouse include: less responsibility for maintenance because of reduced exterior areas; higher security with neighbors right next door; amenities such as swimming pools or tennis courts (available in larger complexes).

But not everyone is suited for the townhouse lifestyle. Compared to owning a single-family dwelling, owners will lose a degree of privacy; be somewhat restricted as to how they can decorate the exterior of the dwelling; and, they may have to incur expenses to help pay for landscaping services and upkeep on the overall property.

If the concept of owning a townhouse does appeal to you, you can find a wide variety of styles and price ranges. Townhouses can look rustic, traditional or modern--the design of your townhouse is only limited by the imagination of the architect. As always, the real estate market and property location dictate market value for most townhouses.