A Guide To Patio Homes

When you’re shopping for a home, there are plenty of alternatives to a traditional single-family home. Though that type of housing is ideal for many families, it’s not the right choice for everyone. One alternative to consider is a patio home, which combines some of the benefits of a single-family home with those of a condominium.

Though less common than other home types, patio homes can be an excellent option for many buyers. Keep reading to learn more about patio homes, how they differ from other housing types and whether one is right for you.

What Is A Patio Home?

The name patio home is deceiving because it doesn’t actually have anything to do with the home having a patio. Instead, a patio home, also known as a garden home, is a type of attached housing similar to a townhouse or a condominium. However, unlike many townhouses, patio homes usually only have one story, similar to ranch homes.

Who Are Patio Homes For?

Because they are single-story homes, patio homes may be attractive for those with mobility issues who have difficulty with stairs.

Additionally, though they offer some benefits of single-family homes, patio homes are more affordable because they are attached to other homes. As a result, they’re a good option for buyers who want to own a home but don’t have the budget for a detached house in their area.

Finally, patio homes are smaller than traditional homes and are often located in or near metropolitan areas. Because of this, they may be a good fit for young and first-time buyers.

How Much Is A Patio Home?

Like other homes, the cost of patio homes varies significantly depending on their location, size, characteristics and other key factors. For example, a three-bedroom patio home in Michigan might cost $200,000, while a similar home in California could cost $600,000. As with single-family homes, most buyers finance their patio home purchase with a mortgage.

In addition to the cost of the home itself, there are other costs to consider. First, when you own a patio home, you’ll need homeowners insurance, just as you would any other home. Additionally, because patio homes are often in homeowners’ associations, you will likely be responsible for homeowners association fees.

Pros And Cons Of Patio Homes

Patio homes have some key advantages, as well as downsides to consider. It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons to determine whether a patio home is right for you.

Pros

• Size and design: For buyers looking for a smaller home with less upkeep, a patio home offers just that. Their size and design are ideal for small families, adults without children and seniors who don’t need (or want) all the space of a single-family home.
• Pricing: Thanks to their smaller size and attached nature, patio homes tend to be more affordable than detached single-family homes. If you’re shopping for a home and you’re on a strict budget, a patio home might be right for you.
• Less maintenance: Patio homes are smaller than detached homes and have considerably smaller yards, meaning they also require less maintenance. This reduced maintenance saves you both time and money.
• Community amenities: Similar to condominiums, patio homes are often part of homeowners associations and often offer community amenities, such as private parks, pools, fitness centers and more.

Cons

• Less yard space: Patio homes generally have less yard space than detached homes. While this may be a benefit for some people, it’s certainly a downside for those who want more outdoor space at their home.
• Less storage space: Patio homes are generally smaller than single-family homes and have just one story. As a result, they usually have less storage space, comparable to a large apartment or condominium or a small townhouse.
• HOA fees: Patio homes are often part of homeowners' associations, which means you’ll pay HOA fees. Though HOA fees vary by community, they often range from as little as $100 per month to upward of $1,000.
• Privacy issues: Patio homes offer less privacy than single-family homes due to the shared walls and exterior space. If the idea of living in an apartment or condo doesn’t sound appealing, you may not like a patio home either.

Alternatives To A Patio Home

A patio home is just one of the many options available to buyers who want to own homes but who aren’t in the market for a single-family home. To help you decide whether a patio home is the right choice, let’s compare it to some alternatives.

Condos

A condo – short for condominium – is a type of privately owned home that shares walls with its neighbors. A condo is similar to an apartment building, where there are multiple units in the building and you may have neighbors above, below or on either side of you.

If you own a condo, you own the interior of your unit, but you don’t own the land the building sits on. Condos are often a part of communities like patio homes, meaning there are often community amenities available, but at the cost of an HOA fee.

Because condos can come in many different forms, you may find some that are visually nearly identical to patio homes. However, patio homeowners own the land their unit sits on and any yard space, while condo owners don’t.

Townhouses

A townhouse, also known as a rowhouse, is a type of attached housing that sits in a row with one or more other units, usually sharing a wall with another townhouse on either side. Each townhouse is usually separately owned.

Townhouses share many characteristics with patio homes. Both are privately owned residences that sit side by side with other units that share walls. Both have minimal yard space, and if there is any yard space, the owner of each individual unit owns the space outside of their unit.

The most important difference between townhouses and patio homes is their size. While townhouses are often three or more stories, patio homes are usually single-story homes (though they may be 1 1/2 stories with a lofted area).

Duplexes

A duplex is another form of housing with multiple units that are attached. A duplex refers to one building that has two units. They can be situated side by side, similar to a townhouse or patio house. They can also be stacked one on top of the other.

Duplexes don’t typically belong to communities in the same way that patio homes, condos and townhouses do. It’s often the case that one person owns the entire building, living in one unit and renting the others out.

Patio Home FAQs

Are you considering buying a patio home? Make sure to read the answers to these frequently asked questions before you do.

What’s another name for a patio home?

Patio homes can go by several other names, including garden homes, carriage homes, cluster homes and more.

What’s the difference between a garden home and a patio home?

There’s no difference between a garden home and a patio home. The two terms refer to the same type of home, but one name may be more common in certain areas.

Can I get home insurance on a patio home?

The Bottom Line

Patio homes may not be as common as other home types, but they’re an excellent option for individuals and families who want a smaller or more affordable home without having to sacrifice the benefits of homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing a patio home or any other type of home, connect with an agent today to start your search.