townhouse

A townhouse is a tall, narrow, multi-story dwelling that is attached to adjacent houses in a row or terrace. It typically has a private entrance and a relatively small footprint on a narrow lot, with shared walls on one or both sides. Townhouses are usually designed to maximize living space in urban settings and are commonly built as a continuous series or block.

Most townhouses are individually owned, either as a fee simple unit or a condominium, with responsibility for the interior and a share of common areas managed by a homeowners association. External maintenance, landscaping, and sometimes exterior features are governed by covenants. The arrangement allows for shared infrastructure while still providing a distinct, private residence.

The meaning and terminology vary by region. In the United States, “townhouse” usually denotes a multi-story, attached home within a row, while in the United Kingdom and parts of Canada the term often refers to a larger urban house or terrace that may be owned outright or leased. Variants include row houses and terraced houses, as well as newer “townhome” developments that emphasize modern design.

Common layouts place living spaces on the lower floors and bedrooms on the upper levels, sometimes with a basement. Outdoor space is typically limited to a small yard or courtyard, though some townhouses have backyards, rooftops, or shared private courtyards.

Townhouses originated in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and spread with urban growth in North America and other regions. Today they are valued for efficient land use, walkability, and compatibility with dense neighborhood plans, and they continue to evolve with energy efficiency and mixed-use designs.