Semi-Detached Home Vs. Detached House: Which Option Has More Value?

| Buying

If you’re ready to buy a home in the GTA but aren’t interested in the whole condo or town/row house thing, that basically leaves you two options:

  1. Semi-detached houses and
  2. Detached homes

When wondering which has more value, a semi-detached home versus a detached house, it helps to consider the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly to help determine the better value.

What is a semi-detached house?

A semi-detached house refers to two houses sharing a common wall. You can sometimes find other shared elements, such as a common wall shared between the home’s garages.

If you’re still weighing the options of renting vs. buying a home in Toronto, read this post next to learn more.

Pros of semi-detached houses:

  • More affordable: When comparing semi-detached homes and detached homes in the same neighbourhood, semi-detached homes tend to be less expensive. However, once you move in, you’ll likely find your overall costs are also lower including general upkeep, and renovations because the home is generally smaller. Less square footage means less materials and less strain on your budget. More affordable also means lower prices when it comes to sell, so you have to keep an eye on your home equity.
  • More privacy and space: If you want more space, the semi-detached is a better option compared to apartment condos. Not only do you tend to get more square footage, but also a private backyard, front porch, and at least a postcard sized front yard. When condo demand lags, the demi-detached home can see improved value.
  • Shared costs: In some cases, you can share maintenance costs and tasks with your neighbours for things such as roof repairs. This can help further offset maintenance costs you would pay for a detached home and even what you would pay for common element fees in a condo. This can add perceived value for a semi for some buyers.

Do you have more questions about buying a home in Toronto? Here are a few more posts you might find interesting:

Cons of semi-detached houses:

  • Sound transfer: Although you just share one wall, you’re more likely to encounter noise issues compared to a detached house. This is doubly risky in older homes where the walls lack proper insulation which can decrease demand for your home.
  • Reliance on neighbours: Although we mentioned you can often split costs and workload for some property repairs with your neighbours, if you have less than cooperative homeowners next door, or worse, tenants, you can face ongoing issues. A perfect example is a leak in your neighbour’s roof trickling into your home. Bad roofs mean less chance of selling and low-ball offers.
  • Less curb appeal: You could be stuck with neighbours who lack the time, money, or motivation to invest in upkeep. As a result, your property value is negatively impacted due to a lack of curb appeal, no matter how impeccable your property looks.

When to buy a semi-detached home

  • The price is right for your budget
  • You want a private outdoor space
  • A semi allows you to afford your preferred neighbourhood
  • Your five-year plan (or less) won’t require more space, i.e., having kids, caring for in-laws, etc.

Does Toronto have affordable homes? You might be surprised! Read our post about buying an affordable home in Toronto right here.

What is a detached house?

Detached houses, also known as single-family homes, are completely detached from other residential structures.

Pros of detached houses:

  • Optimum privacy: Without shared walls to worry about, detached houses offer optimum privacy compared to semi-detached homes. This can also reduce the impact of noisy neighbours and increase your home’s perceived value.
  • Customization: A detached house provides complete freedom to design the exterior, improving curb appeal, and increasing your home value.
  • Total control: There is more control over the home’s maintenance without reliance on an attached neighbour who might not invest as much time and money in their home, thus providing more control over the home’s potential value.

Cons of detached houses:

  • Less affordable: Detached houses tend to cost more than semi-detached homes, which means not everyone can afford them. (It also means they are worth more when you sell them.)
  • No offsets for maintenance costs: You don’t have anyone to help offset maintenance costs such as roof repairs or landscaping improvements, which can eat into your profits when you sell.
  • Higher property taxes: As a free-standing home, detached homes tend to have higher property taxes, adding to the overall cost of home ownership for buyers.

When to buy a detached house:

  • The price is right
  • The home and neighbourhood are right
  • This is your forever home

Still have questions about buying a home in Toronto? Keep reading these posts next:

Which has more value: Semi-detached homes vs. Detached Houses?

Historically, detached homes tend to sell at higher prices but value always depends on the neighbourhood, the property condition, renovations, market conditions, and more. Data tells us that generally speaking, both detached and semi-detached properties in the GTA tend to share potential for appreciation, as long as you use a smart selling strategy.

Thinking about buying a home? Get in touch with one of Toronto’s best real estate teams and get the process started! Call The Christine Cowern Team at 416.291.7372 or emailing hello@christinecowern.com today!