Row House vs Townhouse: Which Is Right for You in Greater Vancouver?

Greater Vancouver’s housing market is diverse, offering a range of options from high-rise condos to single-family homes. Among the most popular mid-density housing types are row houses and townhouses. While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the differences can help buyers make informed decisions, whether you’re investing, downsizing, or looking for your first home.

If you’re a Canadian homebuyer debating a row house or townhouse, you’re not alone. Each property type has its pros and cons, and your choice can depend on price, location, amenities, and lifestyle. Understanding these factors can give you peace of mind and help you find a home that fits both your family and your long-term investment goals.

What Is a Row House?

A row house is a single-family home that shares walls with neighboring units on one or both sides. In Greater Vancouver, row houses are commonly found in neighborhoods like Burnaby Heights, Richmond’s Steveston, and Surrey’s Fleetwood.

Key features of row houses in Vancouver:

• Typically 2–3 stories with a ground-level entrance.
• Each unit is fully owned, giving you control over design and maintenance.
• Private front and back yards, though smaller than detached homes.
• Usually built with durable materials such as brick, providing a classic urban feel.

Row houses are ideal for families or buyers seeking a balance between privacy, outdoor space, and affordability in Metro Vancouver’s competitive market.

What Is a Townhouse?

A townhouse is usually part of a larger development with shared walls and common areas managed by a strata or homeowners’ association. Townhouses are widespread in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Langley, offering modern multi-level living with amenities that cater to families and busy professionals.

Key features of townhouses in Greater Vancouver:

• Multi-level dwellings with private entrances and sometimes rooftop patios.
• Part of a strata, which covers maintenance of shared amenities like parks, gyms, and landscaping.
• Smaller private yards but access to community spaces.
• Construction may use wood, stone, or mixed materials depending on the development.

Townhouses appeal to buyers who want low-maintenance living while still enjoying a multi-level home with more privacy than a condo.

Row House vs Townhouse: Key Differences

Feature	Row House	Townhouse
Ownership	Fully owned single-family home	Strata ownership; common areas shared
Maintenance	Owner responsible for upkeep	Strata covers shared maintenance
Yard Space	Private front/back yard	Smaller private yard; shared amenities
Location	Often suburban or low-rise urban	Planned complexes across the city and suburbs
Privacy	More private, fewer shared walls	Shared walls, common spaces, sometimes shared driveways
Design Flexibility	Can modify exterior and interior freely	Strata rules may limit changes
Cost	Slightly higher per sq. ft.	Often more affordable, but monthly strata fees apply

Design and Lifestyle Considerations

Row houses usually offer more privacy, ground-level entrances, and a single-family feel without strata restrictions. Townhouses often provide shared amenities like pools, gyms, or parks, which are attractive for families or pet owners who want communal outdoor space.

Vancouver neighborhoods like Norquay Village illustrate these differences: row houses typically have consistent layouts and street-level entries, while townhouses can vary in height, number of stories, and layout, offering more variety in design and aesthetic choices.

Cost, Maintenance, and Fees

• Row houses tend to have slightly higher upfront costs than townhouses due to their single-family structure and larger private spaces. They also require the owner to manage maintenance like landscaping and exterior repairs.
• Townhouses usually have lower purchase prices but include strata fees for maintenance of shared areas, such as gardens, walkways, and amenities.

When comparing options, it’s important to consider insurance needs, potential HOA or strata fees, and how much time you want to dedicate to property upkeep.

Using our home cost calculator can help you estimate these expenses and make a more informed decision about which property type fits your budget and lifestyle. You can also explore different scenarios with the calculator to see how changes in costs, fees, or maintenance responsibilities affect your overall affordability.

Location and Community

Your choice may also depend on location and lifestyle:

• Row houses: Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey — often suburban and family-friendly.
• Townhouses: North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley — ideal for buyers seeking low-maintenance multi-level living with amenities.

Some buyers prefer row houses because they usually allow more freedom for renovations and personal landscaping. Townhouses, on the other hand, provide access to shared community facilities and tend to have stricter regulations, which can benefit those who want low-maintenance living.

Privacy, Strata, and Regulations

• Row houses generally don’t have strata rules, giving owners more flexibility in property use and modifications.
• Townhouses fall under strata regulations, which may include restrictions on pets, exterior paint colors, and landscaping. Understanding these rules before purchasing is essential.

Both housing types provide less privacy than detached single-family homes, but the design and layout of each can significantly influence your living experience.

Resale Value

Row houses and townhouses usually appreciate steadily in Vancouver’s competitive housing market. Row houses may have higher long-term resale value due to private yards and single-family ownership. Townhouses offer affordability and amenities, which can appeal to a broad range of buyers, ensuring stable demand.

Amenities and Services

Modern developers in Vancouver are responding to buyer needs with innovative designs and smart technology. Townhouses often include shared amenities like pools, gyms, and community spaces, while row houses prioritize private outdoor areas. Both offer lifestyle benefits; the right choice depends on your preferences for privacy, community, and convenience.

Choosing the Right Option

Key factors to weigh when deciding between a row house and a townhouse in Greater Vancouver:

• Desired privacy and outdoor space
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Strata or HOA fees
• Location and neighborhood amenities
• Design flexibility and renovation potential

Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help you select a home that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals. If you’re still weighing your options, check out our guide on renting vs buying in Vancouver to see which choice makes the most sense for you.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between a row house and a townhouse in Vancouver?
Row houses are fully owned single-family homes with private yards and no shared strata. Townhouses are usually part of a strata-managed development with shared amenities.

2. Are row houses more expensive than townhouses?
Typically, yes — row houses often cost more per square foot but come with fewer restrictions and more privacy.

3. Do townhouses have maintenance fees?
Yes, townhouses generally have strata fees to cover shared amenities and exterior upkeep.

4. Which areas of Greater Vancouver are best for row houses?
Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey have the largest concentrations of row houses, often in family-friendly suburban neighborhoods.

5. How do resale values compare?
Row houses may appreciate faster due to their single-family nature, while townhouses remain in high demand thanks to affordability and amenities.