The semi-detached home has been gaining popularity in recent years. This type of construction offers many advantages and has several qualities that prove very appealing to certain types of buyers.
How do you recognize a semi-detached?
The main elements that characterize the semi-detached are the shared wall between the two homes and the single lot divided and shared by the occupants. Most of the time, the two residences are built on the same model and have a similar living area. And although both homes sit on the same lot, they are owned by two different owners.
Why choose a semi-detached?
Unlike a condo, semi-detached homes have the advantage of having few common areas, which allows the property to be managed independently. As with a single-family home, each owner manages their home completely autonomously. They are free to sell, rent, renovate and decorate their residence as they wish. The only exceptions are work involving the shared wall or the lot as a whole.
The semi-detached is also an ideal choice as a first home for young families. While a semi-detached is not completely independent like a single-family home, it offers a lower purchase price than an individual property. It also comes with lower maintenance costs due to its smaller area and, above all, energy costs up to 15% lower than a single-family home. All these advantages make the semi-detached a very appealing option for buyers.
What people worry about with semi-detached homes
The most common concern about semi-detached homes is the possibility of noise due to the close proximity of neighbours. While this may have been true in the past, newer semi-detached constructions now feature a thicker shared wall along with optimized sound and thermal insulation. The shared wall also serves the important function of acting as a firewall between the two properties. In the event of a fire, it can limit the damage to the neighbouring home.
It is interesting to note the “mirror” effect of the two addresses of a semi-detached, which has the advantage of an inverted room layout in the two homes. The staircases are often in the centre and the bedrooms at the far ends, further reducing noise.
And a shared lot also means a smaller lot. So it is not entirely wrong to say that the yard of each semi-detached home will be smaller compared to that of a single-family residence. However, a smaller lot also means lower maintenance costs, which is a definite advantage. And while the outdoor area is limited, it is also the perfect candidate for a unique, custom landscape design. You will have a yard that meets your family’s needs, at a fraction of the average maintenance cost.
Convinced and ready to move forward with the purchase of a semi-detached home? Groupe PM is currently working on a brand-new residential project located in Bois-des-Filion on Montreal’s north crown. The Le Natura project offers modern, well-designed semi-detached homes with highly effective sound insulation. Contact our team and we will be happy to tell you more about them.
